Alcohol affects the brain and body in ways that impair our ability to drive safely, including slower reaction time, poor co-ordination, impaired decision-making, and a false sense of confidence. This combination can lead drivers to take risks they would normally avoid, greatly increasing the risk of collisions, injury and death on our roads.
Even at relatively low levels, alcohol slows communication between the brain and the rest of the body putting us at greater risk. And a delay of even a fraction of a second can be the difference between avoiding a collision and being involved in one.
In fact, drink driving continues to be a major cause of death and injury. In Great Britain in 2024, an estimated 6,350 people were casualties in reported collisions involving at least one driver or rider over the legal alcohol limit. This included an estimated 220 deaths and around 1,740 people who were killed or seriously injured. [1] Every death and injury is a tragedy, and preventing drink driving can reduce the risk of these collisions and save lives.
Because our bodies react to alcohol in different ways, the level of alcohol in our body is never the same for two people, even when drinking the same amount. Factors such as age, sex, body weight, metabolism, the type of alcohol consumed, food consumption, stress levels, and the use of certain medications can all influence how alcohol is processed by the body.
As a result, it is impossible to know with any certainty how many drinks a person can consume to remain below the legal drink-driving limit. So trying to judge whether we’re fit to drive by counting the number of drinks or units consumed is not reliable or advisable.
The only way to protect ourselves and others is to avoid drinking alcohol completely if driving.
Although some of us may feel able to drive the next morning, alcohol may still be in the system as it takes time to be broken down by the body. Therefore, it is possible to remain over the legal drink-driving limit many hours after drinking has stopped, particularly after consuming large amounts of alcohol late into the evening.
Therefore, if alcohol has been consumed in this way, it is best not to drive in the morning or to arrange to pick up the vehicle later, as it can take up to 24 hours or even longer for alcohol to leave the body.
The legal drink-driving limit differs across the UK. The current blood alcohol limit for driving
in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Scotland has a lower limit of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.
There are a few tests available that are used to tell how much alcohol is in our system. The legal limits for each of these are:
England and Wales:
- Blood: 80 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres (ml) of blood
- Breath: 35 microgrammes (µg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres (ml) of breath
- Urine: 107 milligrammes (mg) of alcohol in 100 millilitres (ml) of urine
Scotland:
- Blood: 50mg alcohol/100ml blood
- Breath: 22µg alcohol/100ml breath
- Urine: 67mg alcohol/100ml urine
Northern Ireland has the same levels as England and Wales at the time of publication.
It’s important to remember that the UK legal limits apply to the concentration of alcohol in the body, not the number of units or drinks consumed. What’s more, keeping below the legal limit doesn't make it safe to drive, as even small amounts of alcohol can affect our ability to drive safely.
In January 2026, the UK Government consulted on lowering the legal drink drive limit in England and Wales, as it is currently one of the highest in Europe. Most countries have limits between zero and 50mg alcohol/100ml blood.
Our view at Alcohol Change UK is that lowering the drink driving limit to 20mg alcohol/100ml blood will make our roads safer for everyone, reducing injuries and saving lives.
This sends a clear message that the legal level is essentially no alcohol beyond what may naturally exist in someone’s body, and for minimal presence of alcohol, like if someone has used mouthwash or certain medications.
Evidence from Scotland suggests that lowering the limit should be accompanied by access to cheaper, alternative transport and adequate law enforcement. [2]
Learn more about the current UK drink driving limits and why these need to change.
The safest approach is simple: if you're driving, don't drink. If you have been drinking, don't drive. This removes any uncertainty about legal limits and helps protect both our own safety and the safety of others.
Simple steps that can help prevent drink driving and keep everyone safe are:
- If you plan to drive, do not drink alcohol.
- If you are going to the pub and intend to drive, enjoy one of the wide range of alcohol-free alternatives, or choose a soft drink.
- If you plan to drink alcohol, arrange a designated driver before going out.
- Choose public transport, a taxi or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
- Consider staying overnight instead of driving after drinking.
- Do not rely on coffee, energy drinks, food, exercise or a shower to sober up. Only time removes alcohol from the body.
- Be cautious about driving the next morning, particularly after a late night or a heavy drinking session.
Published: September 2026
