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