Drink Driving | A Seasonal Reminder | Kangs Motoring Offences Team
Yet again throughout the Festive Season, the number of arrests for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol has increased following intensified police activity.
Whilst many people appear to view a conviction for drink driving as less serious than for other criminal offences, research shows that loss of a driving licence very often leads to unemployment and potential financial hardship following loss of earnings.
A huge number of cases are brought before the courts where the adverse alcohol readings are not grossly excessive, but sufficient to lead to a prosecution.
All too frequently drivers stopped the morning after an event are failing tests and it is essential to appreciate that it is a risk to drive too soon after the consumption of alcohol.
What Is The Permitted Alcohol Level? | Kangs Motoring Offence Advisory Team
Consuming any amount of alcohol before driving is dangerous.
Each individual reacts differently to alcohol and there is no set amount that can be consumed rendering it safe to drive.
The only way to guarantee that the limit is not exceeded is to completely avoid drinking alcohol.
Weight, age, metabolism, food consumed, gender and the type of alcohol consumed can all impact on how a body reacts to alcohol.
The maximum levels of alcohol permitted are as follows:
- 35 micrograms per 100 milliliters of breath
- 80 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood
- 107 milligrams per 100 milliliters of urine
What Is The Level of Punishment? | Kangs National Motoring Offence Team
The following is a breakdown of the potential sentences that can be issued if you are convicted of or plead guilty to drink driving:
| Level of alcohol | Starting point | Range | Disqualification | Disqual. 2nd offence in 10 years – see note below | ||
| Breath (μg) | Blood (mg) | Urine (mg) | ||||
| 36 – 59 | 81 – 137 | 108 – 183 | Band C Fine | Band C Fine | 12 – 16 months | 36 – 40 months |
| 60 – 89 | 138 – 206 | 184 – 274 | Band C Fine | Band C Fine | 17 – 22 months | 36 – 46 months |
| 90 – 119 | 207 – 275 | 275 – 366 | Medium level community order | Low level community order to high level community order | 23 – 28 months | 36 – 52 months |
| 120 – 150 and above | 276 – 345 and above | 367 – 459 and above | 12 weeks custody | High level community order to 26 weeks custody | 29 – 36 months | 36 – 60 months |
We are able to offer clients representation at the police station, post charge advice and representation in court in relation to drink driving cases.
How Kangs Solicitors Can Help? | Kangs Criminal Defence Solicitors
If you find yourself in need of assistance in relation to a drink drive allegation please contact:
Sukhdip Randhawa
srandhawa@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 07989 521 210 (24hr Emergency Number)
Helen Holder
hholder@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
