Drivers travelling from England to Scotland are being warned of the strict zero-tolerance policy to drink driving ahead of the Easter holidays.
Motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com are urging drivers to carefully check alcohol limits when travelling between different parts of the UK.
Scotland has a zero-tolerance approach to drink driving, and their legal limit is lower than the rest of the UK.
Drivers caught with 22 mcg (micrograms) of alcohol in 100 ml of breath, 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 67 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of urine risk facing a fine of up to £5000, a minimum driving ban of 12 months, potential imprisonment of up to 6 months, and a criminal record. The offence stays on your licence for 11 years.
The drink-drive limit in England is higher than Scotland at 35 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath.
Alcohol reduces reaction time and impairs the skills necessary for driving safely. In Britain, it’s estimated there were 300 fatalities in 2022 alone from drink driving, a 32% increase from 2012*.
As alcohol can stay in the body for over 24 hours, heavy drinking the day before driving could also see drivers charged.
Refusing to partake in a roadside breathalyser test can result in an arrest, where drivers are taken to the station for further testing or face fines.
Those travelling from England to Scotland for Easter should consider the severe consequences of any alcohol consumption before getting behind the wheel.
John Wilmot, CEO of car lease deal site LeaseLoco.com stated: “It might be tempting to stop off for a meal and have an alcoholic drink while travelling, but it’s important to remember that alcohol driving limits vary across the UK.
“Driving from England to Scotland, where the alcohol limit is lower, could land motorists in serious trouble.
“It’s also important to recognise that the legal drinking limit can mean different levels of alcohol consumption for each person, depending on factors like weight, age, sex and metabolism.
“Drink driving can cause fatal incidents, and it’s strongly advised that you avoid consuming any alcohol when driving, regardless of the legal limit.”
For more information on drink driving laws in the United Kingdom see below:
