The background to and current status of the drink driving law in the United Kingdom is explained. Screening tests and analytical methods for alcohol in blood, breath and urine are described. Legal limits of 80 mg/100 mL in blood, 107 mg/100 mL in urine and 35 microg/100 mL in breath have been set. Penalties for exceeding the legal limit include a twelve month ban from driving for a first offence and three years and ten years respectively for subsequent convictions. Special reasons why a licence should not be withdrawn are considered together with the effect of medication on alcohol levels. Finally, the question of whether legal limits in the United Kingdom are too high is considered together with whether the punishments imposed are too severe. (Author/publisher)
Abstract