How much can I legally drink and still drive?
Technically you can have up to 80mg of alcohol in your system per 100 millilitres of blood. If you think that's too difficult to work out that's because it varies from person to person.
But I'm probably OK for a couple of pints?
Quite possibly you're not OK for one pint - it depends completely on your size, sex, age, metabolism, whether you've eaten, whether you're on medication and a dozen other factors.
In short, there's no way you can possibly guesstimate how many drinks you can have before you'll be over the limit.
What is a unit?
One unit is 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is the amount of pure alcohol in a 25ml single measure of spirits such as gin, vodka, whisky or brandy; a third of an average pint of beer (ABV 5-6%) or half a standard glass of red wine (ABV 12%).
How many units can I have before I'm over the limit?
It's not possible to answer that question, as it depends on the person drinking, the circumstances in which they're drinking and the drinks themselves. Anything more than 80mg of alcohol in every 100ml of blood is over the legal limit.
What are the recommended units for alcohol per day?
Men should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol per day. Women should not regularly drink more than two to three units of alcohol per day.
Why isn't there any hard information on how much I can drink and drive?
If you factor in the possibility than you can be under the legal drink-drive limit and still be affected by alcohol, then it's clear why its hard to find any hard information on what the legal drink-drive limit is in terms of pints, bottles or glasses.
How many drinks before I can be prosecuted?
You can be prosecuted for driving under the influence even if you are under the legal drink-drive limit, if your driving is judged to be impaired.
How likely am I to be breath-tested?
The government says half a million breath tests are carried out each year. One in five is likely to be positive.
Under what circumstances can I be breath tested?
If you are deemed to driving, attempting to drive, or in charge of a motor vehicle in a public place an officer in uniform can ask you for a breath test if he or she has reason to believe you are driving under the influence of alcohol or have committed a traffic offence.
Can I refuse to give a sample?
You will be arrested and taken to a police station where you will probably be asked to provide two breath samples. If the samples are different the police will go by the lower sample. If it is above the legal limit you will be charged.
You do not have the right to insist on a blood or urine sample instead.
The penalty for refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine for analysis is a maximum 6 months' imprisonment, up to £5,000 fine and a driving ban of at least 12 months.
What if I can't give a sample?
As above, unless you have a reasonable excuse such as a medical condition.
Can I purchase my own breathalyser?
A number of breathalysers are available on the market from around £50. Some car manufacturers also offer devices that prevent a drunken driver from starting the engine on a car.
Can I be arrested if I am sat in my car drunk (over the permitted limit), but not driving?
Potentially, but it will depend on the circumstances and the officer in question.
How long after a drinking session can I expect to be back under the limit?
Again, there's no way of knowing. It depends on too many factors.
What are the penalties for driving over the limit the next day?
Exactly the same as the penalties for driving immediately after drinking.
How does alcohol affect my driving?
Alcohol slows reaction times and judgments including distance and speed.
I don't think my driving is impaired by alcohol
Government figures suggest that people who drive at twice the current legal alcohol level are at least 50 times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash.
What are the penalties for drinking and driving?
Driving or attempting to drive whilst above the legal limit or unfit through drink carries a maximum penalty of 6 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a minimum 12 months driving ban.
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison, a minimum 2 year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test before the offender is able to drive legally again.
What can I do to break down the alcohol in my blood?
Nothing. Time will break it down. Food, coffee, showering or exercising will not. It takes about one hour to eliminate one unit of alcohol.
Is there a way to fool the breathalyser?
No. And you can be asked to provide a specimen of blood or urine as an alternative to a breath test. You can also be prosecuted for attempting to cheat a breath test.
Anything interfering with a breathalyser usually increases readings.