Driving Under the Influence

Being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious matter. This offence carries severe penalties, and the legal process associated with it is often complex and stressful, so it is important to seek early legal advice to help you protect your licence, your freedom and your future.

At DPP Law, we’re Driven to Defend you.

What constitutes driving under the influence in the UK?

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is illegal to drive or be in control of a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limits for alcohol and drugs. If your ability to drive is deemed impaired by controlled substances, you can be charged even if you are not over the legal limits.

What are the legal limits for England and Wales?

The legal alcohol limits for England and Wales are:

• 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
• 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood
• 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine

How much you can drink before you go over the limit depends on a number of factors.

The law specified limits for 17 controlled drugs, including both illegal substances and prescribed medications:

• For illegal drugs, such as Cannabis and Cocaine, there is a near zero-tolerance approach, with the limits being set so low only to rule out accidental exposure.
• For prescription drugs, the limits are generally set above normal therapeutic doses, but you should always discuss whether the drugs will impair your ability to drive or not with the medical practitioner who has prescribed them to you.

What are the penalties for drink/drug driving?

Being convicted of drink or drug driving can result in:

• A minimum 12-month driving ban
• An unlimited fine
• Up to 6 months in prison
• A criminal record
• Up to 11 penalty points

Causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence can also result in a 14-year prison sentence.

A drink or drug driving conviction can affect more than just your licence:

• Higher insurance premiums
• Travel restrictions (for example, to the United States or Australia)
• Loss of employment if your role requires a clean licence
• Difficulty hiring vehicles or holding certain professional licences

How can DPP Law help?

Whether you have been wrongfully charged or you’re considering pleading guilty, our specialist drink driving solicitors and drug driving solicitors can provide crucial support to help you navigate the complex legal road ahead.

Our solicitors can meticulously review all the evidence presented by the prosecution and may be able to find a defence based on any procedural errors made by the police.

Even for unavoidable convictions, our solicitors can represent you in court and negotiate sentencing outcomes to reduce your fine and the length of your driving ban or avoid them entirely.

Get in touch with us today for your free, no-obligation initial consultation by calling 0333 200 7207. Alternatively, you can submit your enquiry via our email [email protected], or by filling out our web enquiry form below.