Is drink driving a criminal offence?

Yes, drink driving is a criminal offence under section 5(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

It is a criminal offence for any motorist to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of alcohol in their breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed legal limit.

A motorist who is convicted of drink driving will have a criminal record, a DR10 driving licence endorsement and will typically see an increase in the cost of motor insurance for a period of 5 years from the date of conviction.

Anyone with a criminal conviction such as drink driving may face difficulties with employment, obtaining insurance and travelling to certain countries.

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