What penalties can be imposed for drink driving?

The drink driving penalties that can be imposed for drink driving vary with the different drink driving offences. It is highly advisable that you seek legal advice and representation from a criminal law solicitor if you are charged with a drink driving offence.
If you are charged with causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs, you can face a maximum prison sentence of 14 years and an unlimited fine. You will also be automatically disqualified from driving and you will need to retake your driving test once your driving ban has been lifted.

If you are charged with driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol, you can face a maximum prison sentence of six months. In addition, you may be fined up to £5,000 and you will be disqualified from driving for a period of between 12 and 36 months. If you are found guilty of driving whilst disqualified, you can face a prison sentence of six months and a fine of £5,000. You can also be disqualified again or given six points on your licence.

The drink driving penalties for being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs or excess alcohol include a three month prison sentence and a maximum fine of £5,000. The court has the discretionary power to disqualify you and the minimum penalty is ten points on your licence.

It is possible to be charged with a drink driving offence if you fail to cooperate with the preliminary roadside test. You can face a fine of up to £1,000 and a driving ban of between 12 and 36 months. There is also the offence of failing to provide a specimen of blood, breath or urine for analysis without a reasonable excuse to do so. You can face a prison sentence of up to six months and a £5,000 fine if you were driving the vehicle and a driving ban of between 12 and 36 months.

For further legal advice on the drink driving penalties that can be imposed for drink driving offences, you are advised to contact a specialist solicitor today. A solicitor will assess your circumstances and inform you of the drink driving penalties you could expect to receive if convicted.