There are very clear legal limits when it comes to driving after consuming alcohol. During autumn and winter, there are many celebrations, including Halloween, bonfire night, Christmas and new year, meaning more parties and events and more opportunities to drink alcohol. For our latest post, we take a look at key facts regarding drink driving to help you keep safe on the roads.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the limits are as follows:
35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath
80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine
The limit in Scotland is different from the rest of the UK.
It is important to note that the way in which alcohol affects you will depend on various factors, including, your weight, age, sex and metabolism, as well as what alcohol you have been drinking, what you have eaten and even your stress levels at the time.
Penalties
There are strict penalties for driving over the legal drink driving limit. If you are found guilty of drink driving, you could face prison, a ban from driving and a fine.
In some circumstances, you may be able to take a course named the drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course which could result in a reduced driving ban. If you are banned from driving for 12 months or more, the court will decide whether to offer this option to you.
Prevent Drink Driving
If you are organising a party or event, be sure to keep an eye out when your guests leave, making sure that each of them has an organised lift to take them home. If you’re hosting the party, making sure that you have a selection of soft drinks available is also helpful and gives those that need to drive themselves home more options to choose from.
Broadbents Solicitors
We have been advising and representing clients in relation to drink driving offences since the breathalyser was first introduced. If you would like to speak to a member of our specialist team, please call today using the following numbers – Alfreton – 01773 832 511 Derby – 01332 369 090 Heanor – 01773 769 891 or Sutton in Ashfield 01623 441 123.
