Drink and drug driving
GMP is participating in Operation Limit, a national operation to tackle drink and drug driving, throughout the festive period.
Proactive policing operations will take place around the clock, with officers conducting roadside tests and acting upon information from the public.
Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is completely unacceptable, and we take a zero-tolerance approach towards anyone putting lives at risk by drink or drug driving.
Aside from being deadly, the consequences include a large fine, a driving ban, points on your license or jail. A drink or drug driving offence can also have a detrimental effect on your current or future job prospects.
If you’re heading out over Christmas, plan how you’re going to safely get home. Book a taxi, check public transport times, or nominate a trustworthy designated driver.
If you know a drink or drug driver, tell us about them before they cause harm to either themselves or other road users. Use LiveChat or dial 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. In Scotland, the limit is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.
There is no way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit, since it can depend on your weight, age, metabolism, the amount of food you've eaten, and other factors.
If you've been out drinking, you may still be affected by alcohol the next day and could lose your licence if you drive and are still over the legal limit.
Alcohol affects everyone differently and any amount can impair your ability to drive. The only safe option is to avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving, as even ‘just one drink’ could put you over the limit.
If you’re driving, don’t drink any alcohol at all.
It's an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood. This includes illegal and legally prescribed drugs.
The limit set for each drug is different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low. They aren't none to rule out any accidental exposure (e.g., from passive smoking).
You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure about whether your prescription or over-the-counter medication will affect your ability to drive.
If you're found to be over the drink-drive limit and/or driving while impaired by drugs, you can receive:
- a criminal record
- a maximum penalty of six months in prison
- an unlimited fine
- an automatic driving ban of at least one year (three years if you have been convicted twice in 10 years)
Other problems you may face include:
- an endorsement on your driving licence for 11 years
- an increased insurance premium
- if you drive for work, your employer will see your conviction on your licence
- trouble travelling to countries like the USA
Penalties for causing death whilst driving dangerously under the influence of alcohol or drugs
If a driver kills someone while under the influence of alcohol, they can be charged with causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs (Section 3A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991, section 3)).
The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment if the offence was committed before 28 June 2022. If the offence was committed on or after 28 June 2022, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.