Drink Driving Penalty Calculator
Estimate your potential penalties based on UK sentencing guidelines
Alcohol Reading
Your Circumstances
Aggravating Factors
Mitigating Factors
Your Estimated Penalties
Sentencing Guidelines for Drink Driving Offences
The penalties for drink driving in the UK are determined by magistrates following guidelines set by the Sentencing Council. The severity of punishment depends primarily on your blood alcohol level, but also takes into account aggravating and mitigating circumstances.
| Breath Reading | Blood Reading | Starting Point | Ban Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120+ µg | 276+ mg | 12 weeks custody | 29-36 months |
| 90-119 µg | 207-275 mg | Community order | 23-28 months |
| 60-89 µg | 138-206 mg | Band C fine | 17-22 months |
| 36-59 µg | 81-137 mg | Band C fine | 12-16 months |
Legal Alcohol Limits
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the legal limits are:
- 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath
- 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
- 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine
Scotland has lower limits:
- 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath
- 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood
- 67 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine
Fine Bands Explained
Fines are calculated based on your weekly income:
- Band A: 50% of weekly income (range 25-75%)
- Band B: 100% of weekly income (range 75-125%)
- Band C: 150% of weekly income (range 125-175%)
- Band D: 250% of weekly income (range 200-300%)
Disqualification Periods
The minimum ban for a first drink driving offence is 12 months. This increases significantly for repeat offenders or higher alcohol levels. If convicted of drink driving twice within 10 years, the minimum ban is 3 years.
Courts may offer a Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme course which can reduce your ban by up to 25% if completed successfully.
High Risk Offenders
You are classified as a high risk offender if your breath reading was 87.5 µg or above, blood reading was 200 mg or above, or you have been disqualified twice in 10 years for alcohol-related driving offences. High risk offenders must pass a medical examination before regaining their licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid a driving ban for drink driving?
In most cases, no. The law requires a minimum 12-month disqualification for driving or attempting to drive whilst over the limit. Only in exceptional hardship cases might a court consider not disqualifying, but this is rare and requires strong legal argument.
Will I go to prison for drink driving?
Prison is reserved for the most serious cases. If your alcohol level is extremely high (120 µg breath or 276 mg blood and above), you may face up to 6 months imprisonment. However, for lower readings, especially first offences, you are more likely to receive a fine or community order.
What happens if I refuse to provide a breath sample?
Refusing to provide a specimen without reasonable excuse is a separate offence carrying similar penalties to drink driving itself, including a mandatory driving ban and possible imprisonment.
How does a drink driving conviction affect my insurance?
A drink driving conviction (DR10 endorsement) will significantly increase your insurance premiums for at least 5 years. Some insurers may refuse to cover you. You must declare the conviction when applying for insurance.
Can I drive for work during a ban?
No. A driving ban means you cannot drive any motor vehicle on public roads for any purpose, including work. There are no exemptions for work-related driving.
What is the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme?
This is an optional course offered by the court that educates offenders about the dangers of drink driving. Successfully completing it can reduce your ban by up to 25%, but you must complete it before your ban ends for the reduction to apply.
Will I have a criminal record?
Yes. Drink driving is a criminal offence and will appear on your criminal record. It may affect employment, particularly jobs involving driving or working with vulnerable people.
Can I appeal against my sentence?
You have the right to appeal to the Crown Court within 21 days if you believe your sentence is too harsh or if there were errors in your trial. Seek legal advice before appealing.
Additional Consequences of Drink Driving
Employment Impact
A drink driving conviction can have serious employment consequences. If your job requires driving, you may face dismissal. Many employers conduct criminal record checks, and a conviction may affect future job prospects, particularly in sectors involving trust, safety, or driving.
Travel Restrictions
Some countries, including the United States and Canada, may refuse entry to individuals with drink driving convictions. Always check visa requirements before international travel if you have a conviction.
Vehicle Insurance
Following a conviction, finding affordable insurance becomes challenging. Premiums typically increase by 20-100% or more, and the conviction must be declared for 5 years. Some specialist insurers cater to convicted drivers but at premium rates.
Financial Costs
Beyond fines, the total cost of a drink driving conviction can exceed £10,000 when factoring in legal fees, increased insurance premiums, potential loss of employment, and alternative transport costs during your ban.
Personal Relationships
The social stigma of a drink driving conviction can strain personal relationships and damage your reputation in your community. The stress of court proceedings and a ban can also impact mental health and family life.
References
- Sentencing Council. (2017). Excess Alcohol (drive/attempt to drive) – Definitive Guideline. Retrieved from https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/offences/magistrates-court/item/excess-alcohol-driveattempt-to-drive-revised-2017/
- UK Government. (2014). Drink-driving Penalties. GOV.UK. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/drink-driving-penalties
- Road Traffic Act 1988, Section 5. Driving or Being in Charge of a Motor Vehicle with Alcohol Concentration Above Prescribed Limit. UK Legislation.
- Sentencing Council. (2019). Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentences – Definitive Guideline. Retrieved from https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. (2024). High Risk Offenders Scheme. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/dvla/high-risk-offenders