DRINK DRIVE LAWS: The British judiciary system penalize convicted offenders with a drink driving ban.
The magistrates who handle your case will decide the penalty given out. As a rule, the offence committed determines the severity of the punishment.
Even so, it is impossible to predict how many alcoholic drinks will keep you below the UK drink driving limit units for every situation.
But, you might need to know how to pass the DVLA drink driving medical test after a driving ban. This guide helps explain the drink drive laws and procedures.
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Alcohol Test
According to the DVLA drink driving laws, the factors which contribute most to a person’s alcohol tolerance level include:
- Age, gender, weight, metabolism, recently eaten food, and stress levels.
- The type of alcohol you consume and the amount of alcohol you consume.
Note: The same limits apply in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. But, the drink drive limit is different in Scotland. Even so, you cannot drive anywhere in the United Kingdom if a UK court bans you for a drink driving offence.
Drivers Legal Alcohol Driving Limit UK
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath (22 in Scotland).
- 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (50 in Scotland).
- 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine (67 in Scotland).
DVLA Drink Driving Penalties UK
If you get found guilty of committing a drink-driving offence, the drink drive penalties include imprisonment and a fine. DVLA banned drivers will find themselves prohibited from driving a vehicle on any public roads for a lengthy period of time.
A magistrate will hear your case in court and may issue different penalties and codes for drink-driving offences.
What happens if you receive a drink driving ban length of 12 months (or longer)?
In fact, you may reduce a drink driving ban length if the courts ask you to attend a drink-drive rehabilitation scheme (DDRS) course.
UK drink driving penalties for being in charge of a vehicle while above the UK legal drink drive limit or unfit through drink include:
- Three (3) months’ imprisonment.
- A fine up to £2,500.
- A possible driving ban.
Drink drive penalties for driving or attempting to drive while above the UK legal drink drive limit or unfit through drink include:
- Six (6) months’ imprisonment.
- An unlimited fine.
- DVLA drink driving ban for at least one (1) year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years).
Penalties for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis include:
- Six (6) months’ imprisonment.
- An unlimited fine.
- A ban from driving for at least one (1) year.
Drink drive penalties for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink include:
- Fourteen (14) years’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A ban from driving for at least two (2) years
- An extended driving test before you get your licence back
High Risk Offenders
Those considered to be a high risk offender do not automatically get their licence returned to them after the ban has finished. High risk offenders would include:
- Drivers convicted of two drink-driving offences within ten years.
- Driving while 2.5 times or more than the legal alcohol limit UK.
- Those who refused to give the police a sample of breath, blood, or urine to test for alcohol.
- Those who refuse to allow a sample of their blood to be alcohol tested.
The high risk offenders’ scheme means you may also need to pass a DVLA drink driving medical questionnaire and examination to get your licence back.
Car Insurance after Drink Driving Ban UK
Having a conviction for a drink-driving offence means that insuring a vehicle is likely to cost more. It also means your employer can see driving convictions on your licence.
People with drunk-driving convictions may have problems traveling abroad to certain countries. Travel to the USA may be difficult after a conviction, for example.
Drink Drive Law UK Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
The drink drive rehabilitation scheme is often used to reduce the length of a driving ban. The court may offer DVLA banned drivers the opportunity to attend the DDRS course to those who get barred from driving for 12 months or more.
Note: The drink drive rehabilitation course cost is around £250 (reduced to £155 in Northern Ireland).
Reapplying for Driving Licence
There are several methods of reapplying for a licence to drive again following a drink driving disqualification. The process depends on whether your status is a ‘high risk offender‘ or not.
Bus, Coach, or Lorry Licence
You should apply for a bus, coach, or lorry licence using the special form D2. The D2 form is also available from the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency.
Non-high Risk Offenders
If you are not in the high risk offender category, you will receive form D27 from the DVLA 56 days before the end of your disqualification period. Fill in the form and return it to them with a new passport-style photo and your most up-to-date details.
High Risk Offenders Drink Driving
High risk offenders will receive an application form 90 days before the end of your disqualification. You can order the same form online from the DVLA if you do not receive it in the post.
DVLA Drink Driving Medical Examination
What do DVLA test you for on the medical exam after a drink driving ban? You must prove your fitness to drive following a drink-drive disqualification. The DVLA have appointed doctors who can perform the drink drive medical examination.
The medical test after drink driving ban must take place before you get your licence back. You will need to pay for the drink driving medical examination which includes:
- Questions about your medical history and use of alcohol.
- A physical examination and a DVLA blood test alcohol.
Non Great Britain Licence Holders
Note: In this case, the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority will return your licence to you when your driving disqualification period ends.