Drink Driving Penalty Calculator
Estimate your fine, driving ban and custody risk based on published UK sentencing guidelines.
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Step 1 of 4 25%
Step 1 of 4
Which test did police use?
Select the type of specimen taken.
Step 2 of 4
What was your breath reading?
Enter the reading shown on your charge sheet or police notice.
µg / 100ml
Legal limit: 35 µg/100ml
Please enter a valid reading above 0.
Step 3 of 4
Have you been convicted of drink or drug driving in the last 10 years?
A previous conviction within 10 years results in a significantly longer ban.
Step 4 of 4
Do any of these apply to your case?
Select all that apply. These factors can increase your sentence.
None apply? Click "Calculate" to continue.
Estimated outcome
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driving disqualification
Sentence range
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before guilty plea or mitigation
Custody risk
–
Criminal record
Yes
Stays on DVLA record 11 years
Insurance impact
–
Typical increase after conviction
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only, based on the Sentencing Council's published Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines. Actual sentences depend on the individual circumstances of your case, your personal mitigation, and the court's discretion. Results do not constitute legal advice. Always seek advice from a qualified solicitor before your hearing.
Facing a drink driving charge? Read about how Scarsdale Solicitors defend drink driving cases, including challenging the breath test procedure and arguing exceptional circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the drink driving limit in England and Wales?
The legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, or 107 milligrams per 100 millilitres of urine. In practice, police often allow a small margin and may not charge below 40µg breath.
How long is a drink driving ban?
A first conviction carries a minimum 12-month ban, rising to up to 36 months for very high readings. A second conviction within 10 years carries a minimum 36-month ban. Courts can also impose reduced bans in exchange for completing a drink-drive rehabilitation course — typically cutting the ban by up to 25%.
Can you go to prison for drink driving?
Yes. The maximum sentence is 6 months imprisonment. Custody becomes realistic with very high breath readings (above 120µg), causing an accident with injury, carrying a child passenger, or having previous drink or drug driving convictions.
Does drink driving affect your car insurance?
Yes, significantly. A DR10 conviction typically causes car insurance premiums to increase by 50–300% immediately after conviction. The conviction remains on your DVLA driving record for 11 years, though most insurers ask about the last 5 years.
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I would like to thank Shazia and the Scarsdale team. Super efficient, fast responding and knew exactly what to do in the situation I was in. Highly recommend for any immigration needs