UK Drink Driving Limits
The complete guide to statutory drink-drive thresholds across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Scottish Statutory Instrument 2014/328.
Official UK Drink Driving Limits
Prescribed statutory thresholds| Jurisdiction | Blood (mg/100ml) | Breath (µg/100ml) | Urine (mg/100ml) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Wales and Northern Ireland | 80 | 35 | 107 | GOV.UK: The drink drive limit |
| Scotland | 50 | 22 | 67 | mygov.scot: Scottish Drink-Drive Limit |
1. England, Wales & Northern Ireland (80 mg/100ml)
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, legal limits are set by the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Section 11(2)):
- Blood: 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.08% BAC).
- Breath: 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
- Urine: 107 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
This prescribed limit was originally introduced under the Road Safety Act 1967 and remains the standard across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland today.
2. Scotland (50 mg/100ml)
On 5 December 2014, the Scottish Parliament enacted The Road Traffic Act 1988 (Prescribed Limit) (Scotland) Regulations 2014 (SSI 2014/328), significantly lowering statutory thresholds:
- Blood: 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.05% BAC).
- Breath: 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
- Urine: 67 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
This lower limit aligns Scottish road safety policy with the majority of European countries and means that any alcohol consumption carries a substantial risk of exceeding the limit.
3. Statutory Penalties on Conviction
Penalties upon conviction for driving or attempting to drive above the prescribed legal limit in any UK jurisdiction include:
Frequently Asked Questions: UK Drink Driving Limits
What is the drink driving limit in England and Wales?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the statutory limits under the Road Traffic Act 1988 are 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, and 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine.
Why is Scotland’s drink drive limit lower?
Under Scottish Statutory Instrument 2014 No. 328 (effective 5 December 2014), the Scottish Parliament lowered the prescribed limit to 50 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood and 22 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath to reduce road casualties and align with European road safety standards.
How many drinks can I have and remain under the UK limit?
There is no fixed or predictable number of drinks. Alcohol absorption depends heavily on body weight, biological sex, metabolic rate, liver enzyme activity, stress levels, and food intake. Even small quantities of alcohol significantly impair reaction times and motor coordination.
What are the penalties for drink driving in the UK?
Penalties for driving or attempting to drive above the prescribed limit include a mandatory minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine in England and Wales (or up to £5,000 Level 5 fine in Scotland), up to 6 months imprisonment, and an endorsement on your driving licence (DR10) that remains visible for 11 years.