Drink-driving penalties
You could be imprisoned, banned from driving and face a fine if you鈥檙e found guilty of drink-driving.
The actual penalty you get is up to the magistrates who hear your case, and depends on your offence.
You may be able to reduce your ban by taking a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course if you鈥檙e banned from driving for 12 months or more. It鈥檚 up to the court to offer this.
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
You may get:
- 3 months鈥� imprisonment
- up to 拢2,500 fine
- a possible driving ban
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
You may get:
- 6 months鈥� imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis
You may get:
- 6 months鈥� imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink
You may get:
- life imprisonment
- an unlimited fine
- a ban from driving for at least 5 years
- an extended driving test before your licence is returned
You will not automatically get your licence back if you鈥檙e a high risk offender.
Costs of getting your licence back when you鈥檙e allowed
If your driving licence is taken away because of drink-driving, you can find out what fees you鈥檒l need to pay to get your licence back.
Other problems you could face
A conviction for drink-driving also means:
- your car insurance costs will increase significantly
- if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
- you may have trouble travelling to countries like the USA