The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on plans to lower the drink drive limit for drivers in England and Wales, including an even lower limit for novice drivers. The proposal is part of a 10-year Road Safety Strategy released in January, which aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.
Current limit unchanged since 1969
Currently, the drink drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, and 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine. The government says it is “impossible” to say how many drinks this equals, as it varies from person to person based on weight, age, sex, metabolism, and the type of alcohol consumed.
The legal maximum level of alcohol in the bloodstream on testing is the highest in Europe and has not changed since its introduction in 1969. According to the DfT, one in six fatalities in 2023 were in drink drive collisions.
New powers to suspend licences
The DfT has also outlined plans to introduce new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of committing a drink or drug driving offence, or those under investigation for driving offences that led to a fatality or serious injury. The government says it can take time for those arrested to be convicted, and under the current system they are free to continue driving in the meantime.
Outlining the potential law changes, the DfT said: “As part of this review into motoring offences, the government is consulting on the following key areas:
- Taking tougher action on drink driving by lowering the drink drive limit in England and Wales, including an even lower limit for novice drivers. The current limit (i.e. the legal maximum level of alcohol in the bloodstream on testing) is the highest in Europe and (in England and Wales) has not changed since it was introduced in 1969. This is despite the fact that in 2023, 1 in 6 fatalities were in drink drive collision.
- Reviewing the penalties and mandatory training for drink and drug driving offences, including consulting on the use of alcohol interlock devices. Driving under the influence of drink and drugs is unacceptable and puts other road users at risk. This government is determined to combat this behaviour and ensure that all such drivers are dealt with appropriately.
- Bringing in new powers to suspend the driving licence for: (1) those suspected of committing a drink and/or drug driving offence until attendance at court or a guilty plea, or if bailed pending forensic analysis being undertaken; (2) those under investigation for the most serious motoring offences resulting in a fatality or serious injury. It can take some time for those arrested on suspicion of drink and drug driving to be convicted. Under the current system, that means they are free to continue driving in the meantime. Given the seriousness of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, the government is determined to take action. This is particularly important where someone has been killed or seriously injured as a result.”
The consultation is ongoing, and any changes would require legislation to be passed.
