What are the penalties for drunk driving?

In the United Kingdom, driving or attempting to drive while over the legal alcohol limit carries a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record that stays on the DVLA driving licence endorsement record for 11 years.

The legal limits are set by the Road Traffic Act 1988. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, or 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine. In Scotland, the limits were lowered in 2014 to 50, 22, and 67 respectively, making Scotland significantly stricter than the rest of the UK.

The main offences are driving or attempting to drive while over the limit, being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit, causing death by careless driving while under the influence, and refusing to provide a breath, blood, or urine specimen without reasonable excuse. Being in charge of a vehicle, which can include being in the driver's seat with the keys while over the limit, carries up to three months in prison, a fine of up to £2,500, and a possible driving ban. Causing death by careless driving while over the limit can result in up to 14 years in prison, a minimum two-year driving ban, and a compulsory extended retest. Refusing to provide a specimen is treated as seriously as driving while over the limit and carries the same maximum penalty.

Beyond the criminal sentence, the consequences reach well into everyday life. A drink-driving conviction usually doubles or triples car insurance premiums, and some insurers will not cover convicted drivers at all. Loss of a driving licence can end jobs that require driving, including many sales, delivery, healthcare, and trade roles. Some countries, including the United States, can refuse entry to people with a drink-driving conviction. The endorsement remains on the driving licence record for 11 years from the date of the conviction.

Offenders who accept a drink-drive rehabilitation course approved by the Department for Transport can reduce their ban by up to a quarter. Courses typically run for 16 hours over three sessions and cost around £250. The course must be completed before the ban expires.

Drink-driving enforcement is carried out by the police, who can stop any driver they reasonably suspect and require them to take a roadside breath test. Refusal is itself an offence.