What is the punishment for drink driving in the UK?
The punishment for drink driving in the UK varies according to how far over the limit you are. You could face imprisonment, a driving ban, and a hefty fine. The punishment you receive is down to the severity of the case and decided by the Magistrates Court.
Will I go to prison for drink driving?
Some judges might determine that imprisonment is a fitting punishment. This could be for anything from three months to 14 years depending on the circumstances and outcome of the drink driving offence.
What is the minimum disqualification period for drink driving?
If you are found to be overseeing a vehicle whilst beyond the legal limit, you may not necessarily receive a driving ban, this is decided in court. If you are guilty of driving or attempting to drive while over the limit, the minimum disqualification period is 1 year, or 3 years if you have been convicted twice in 10 years.
One bad decision can lead to a number of consequences. So, find out about the potential penalties you could incur through drink driving below, or use our drink driving penalty calculator.
Try our Drink Driving Penalty Calculator
Find out what sort of penalty you could receive.
Drink Driving Penalties
Overseeing a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
Why you have received this penalty
This punishment would apply to a driver who is not moving, but is in a stationary vehicle with control of its movements.
Potential Sentence:
- 3 months in prison
- Up to £2,500 fine
- A possible driving ban
Driving whilst above the legal limit
Why you have received this penalty
This drink driving punishment applies to drivers who are found to be driving a vehicle over the legal limit
Potential Consequences:
- 6 months in prison
- Uncapped fine
- Driving ban for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Refusing to provide a specimen when stopped (Breathalyser)
Why you have received this penalty
This punishment is a result of a driver refusing to give a specimen when stopped, even if randomly stopped.
Potential Consequences:
- 6 months in prison
- Uncapped fine
- Driving ban for at least 1 year
Causing death through drink driving
Why you have received this penalty
These potential punishments apply to drivers who have caused death by drink driving.
Potential Consequences:
- 14 years in prison
- Uncapped fine
- A ban from driving for at least 2 years
- An extended driving test before you can drive again.
- In some cases, you may have to pass a medical examination with a DVLA doctor if you are a high-risk offender.
Additional consequences of drink driving
A conviction for drink driving also means:
- Your car insurance will rise
- Your conviction will be visible to potential employers
- You may have issues travelling to select countries outside the UK
How to avoid drink driving
- Arrange a designated driver for nights you are planning on consuming alcohol
- Use public transport where possible on evenings out
- Avoid alcohol altogether if you are planning on driving
- Try alcohol free nights out
Explore our conviction code guide
For more details about specific drink driving convictions, take a look at our comprehensive conviction code guide covering points and potential penalties.