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Don't drink and drive

Chose an alternative way home if you've had a drink

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Alcohol adviceAny amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. The only safe option is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive, and never offer an alcoholic drink to someone who will be driving.

 

Take a different way home

If you've had alcohol, it's better not to drive. Instead: 

  • book a taxi
  • use public transport
  • stay overnight
  • arrange a lift with someone who isn't drinking 


The morning after

You might still be over the drink/drive limit the next day

Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. There are no tricks that can help you sober up sooner and get alcohol out of your system.

 

The law

The maximum penalties* for drink driving are:

Causing death by careless driving

 14 years in prison plus an unlimited fine, disqualification from driving for at least two years and an extended driving test

Driving or attempting to drive while over the limit or unfit due to drink

Six months in prison plus a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving for at least 12 months (three years if convicted twice in 10 years)

Being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit or unfit due to drink 

 Three months in prison, a fine of up to £2,500 and discretionary disqualification from driving

Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis

 Six months in prison plus a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving for at least 12 months

 

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