| What is a safe amount to drink and still be under | | | | The Penalties of Drink Driving |
| the legal limit? | | | | • Driving whilst under the influence of |
| The simple answer is that there is no way in | | | | alcohol carries a maximum of 6 months |
| knowing for sure. There are so many factors | | | | imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a |
| that affect the amount someone can drink and | | | | 12 month driving ban. If you are caught |
| still remain under the legal limit. The amount and | | | | re-offending within 10 years then you could face a |
| type of drink consumed as well as age, sex, | | | | mandatory 3 year driving disqualification. |
| weight and metabolism all play a part in how well | | | | • Causing a death whilst driving under the |
| someone can cope with alcohol. | | | | influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum |
| Knowing you are over the limit on the night you | | | | penalty of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum |
| are drinking is one thing, but it's far more difficult | | | | 2 year driving ban. |
| to know if you are safe to drive the next day. | | | | • A drink driving offence will remain on |
| According to the Department for Transport | | | | your licence for 11 years |
| (DfT), one in five drivers found to be over the | | | | • If you have a drink driving conviction |
| limit are caught the morning after they consumed | | | | then expect to see a dramatic increase in the |
| alcohol. | | | | amount you pay for your car insurance. Finding |
| Because the amount of time that alcohol stays in | | | | competitive car insurance quotes will be difficult. |
| the body will vary from person to person, it's | | | | Many car insurance companies will be unwilling to |
| impossible to know for certain if you are safe to | | | | take the risk of insuring a driver with previous |
| drive the following morning. | | | | drink driving convictions. |