Drink Driving Limits in the UK
The Limits
England, Wales & Northern Ireland
- Blood: 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood
- Breath: 35 micrograms per 100ml breath
- Urine: 107mg per 100ml urine
Scotland (Stricter!)
- Blood: 50mg per 100ml blood
- Breath: 22 micrograms per 100ml breath
- Scotland reduced limits in 2014
Converting to Other Measurements
- England/Wales: 0.08% BAC
- Scotland: 0.05% BAC
- Roughly equivalent to 0.8 g/L and 0.5 g/L
"How Many Drinks?"
There's NO safe answer. It depends on:
- Body weight
- Gender
- Food eaten
- Individual metabolism
- Type and strength of drink
The only safe limit is zero if you're driving.
Penalties for Drink Driving
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Driving/attempting to drive while over limit | 6 months prison, unlimited fine, 12-month ban |
| In charge while over limit | 3 months prison, £2,500 fine |
| Refusing to provide specimen | 6 months prison, unlimited fine, 12-month ban |
| Causing death by careless driving while over limit | 14 years prison, unlimited fine |
Additional Consequences
- Criminal record
- Increased insurance premiums (if you can get insurance)
- Job implications (especially driving jobs)
- Travel restrictions (some countries deny entry)
Morning After
Alcohol takes time to leave your system:
- Roughly 1 unit per hour
- A heavy night can mean you're over limit next morning
- "Sleeping it off" doesn't always work