December is a time when many people attend parties, social events or catch-ups with friends and family – but it is also a month when drink-driving offences tend to increase across the UK. At Astraea Linskills, our Motoring Law team wants to highlight how the festive season can bring added risk – and what you can do to stay safe, or respond if you’re accused of an offence.
What the Law Says About Drink Driving
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, a drink-driving offence occurs when someone drives, attempts to drive, or is “in charge” of a vehicle on a public road after consuming alcohol such that their breath, blood or urine exceeds the legal limit.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the legal alcohol limits are:
- 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath
- 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
- 107 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine
Because people’s bodies process alcohol differently – depending on metabolism, what and when they eat, and many other variables – it’s impossible to say “X pints = safe to drive.”
Why December Can Be a Risky Month on the Roads
December’s festive season brings an increase in social events and celebrations, and alcohol often plays a part in these gatherings. With disrupted routines, later nights and irregular travel patterns, it’s easy to misjudge how much – or how long – alcohol remains in your system.
Alcohol is eliminated from the body at a steady rate, and there is no quick way to speed up the process. This means that even if you stop drinking late at night, you may still be over the legal limit the next morning. Misunderstanding the “morning after” risk remains a common reason why drivers unexpectedly find themselves over the limit.
The Consequences of Drink Driving
Being convicted of a drink-driving offence carries serious consequences. Penalties can include:
- A driving ban (minimum 12 months for a first offence)
- A fine (which can be substantial) or even imprisonment – up to six months for “drive/attempt to drive” offences.
- Long-term impacts such as higher insurance costs, endorsement on your licence, possible difficulties with employment, and more
How the Astraea Linskills Motoring Law Team Can Support You
If you are facing a drink-driving allegation – whether in December or any other time – the Motoring Law team at Astraea Linskills can review the specifics of your case and advise on your best course of action. We can help by:
- Checking whether police procedure was properly followed when conducting breath, blood or urine tests
- Reviewing whether the “in charge” status applies in your situation (for instance, if you were not actively driving)
- Identifying any possible mitigating factors or legal defences
- Advising on court representation, likely penalties, and next steps to protect your driving licence and record
- Assisting you to mitigate the offence for the purpose of sentencing
Our goal is to give you realistic, honest advice, and – where appropriate – representation, so you understand your position and the potential outcomes.
Stay Safe This Festive Season
December should be a time to enjoy – but it’s also important to travel safely. If you’re planning to drink, the simplest and safest option is to avoid driving completely.
Arrange a lift, book a taxi, use public transport or plan alternative travel in advance. Taking these steps helps you stay safe, avoids accidental offences, and ensures you can enjoy the festive season without risking your licence or your wellbeing.
And if you do find yourself facing a drink-driving allegation, Astraea Linskills’ Motoring Law team is here to provide clear, expert guidance tailored to your situation.
