Drink Driving Limits in the UK
The legal drink driving limits across the UK are measured in micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath (µg/100ml), milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood (mg/100ml), or milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine (mg/100ml).
**England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:**
- **Blood:** 80mg/100ml (0.08% BAC)
- **Breath:** 35µg/100ml
- **Urine:** 107mg/100ml
**Scotland:**
- **Blood:** 50mg/100ml (0.05% BAC)
- **Breath:** 22µg/100ml
- **Urine:** 67mg/100ml
**Important:** Scotland's lower limit means that even a single drink could put some drivers over the limit. There is no foolproof way to drink and stay under the limit, as it depends on your weight, age, sex, metabolism, and even stress levels.
Safety & Penalties
Penalties for Drink Driving: You could face imprisonment, a driving ban, and an unlimited fine if found guilty. The actual penalty depends on the magistrates who hear your case and depends on your specific offence.
**The "Morning After" Risk:**
You can still be over the limit the morning after drinking. Sleep, coffee, and cold showers do not speed up alcohol elimination. Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.
**Safest Advice:**
The safest advice is to avoid alcohol completely if you are driving. If you plan to drink, arrange a designated driver, use public transport, or book a taxi.