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When Was Drink Driving Made Illegal in the UK?

When Was Drink Driving Made Illegal in the UK?

Drink driving is a serious criminal offence in the UK, governed by Section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It carries significant penalties, including fines, driving bans, and even imprisonment. The offence is so deeply rooted in our legal and social framework that it feels like it has always been part of our system – but when did regulation around drink driving truly begin?

Read on to discover the key milestones and turning points in the history of drink driving legislation and how they have shaped the rules we follow today. 

When Did Drink Driving Become Illegal in the UK?

The UK has a surprisingly long history of prohibiting drink driving, with laws dating back to the era of horse-drawn carriages. As motor vehicles became more widespread, the law evolved to keep pace. However, it wasn’t until the 1967 Road Safety Bill that the government formally introduced a legal alcohol limit and enforced testing measures.

This landmark Act set the legal limit at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (80mg/100ml). If this measurement sounds familiar, that’s because the measurement remains the limit in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to this day, over half a century later. So, how did we get here? Continue reading to learn about the key milestones leading up to this pivotal bill. 

Please Note: If you’ve recently been charged with driving over this limit, Parnell and Peel are here to help. As leading motor offence solicitors, we offer expert legal support and guidance during this challenging time. Please call us on 033 03411690 or submit a confidential online enquiry to discuss your case, with no obligation to proceed with our services. 

 

When Did Drink Driving Become Illegal UK: The Key Milestones


1872: The Licensing Act 

Even before cars dominated the roads, legislation existed against driving under the influence of alcohol. For instance, in 1872, it became illegal to be ‘drunk’ while in charge of common transportation like horses, carriages, cattle, or steam engines. 

The penalty for this offence included a fine of up to 40 shillings. In more serious cases, such as if people or animals were harmed or killed, offenders could face imprisonment. This term usually lasted no longer than a month, although it could involve hard labour. 

 

1925: The Criminal Justice Act

By the turn of the 20th century, the British motor industry was revving up, and cars were more commonplace on the UK’s roads. The law adapted to reflect this change. In 1925, The Criminal Justice Act made it a crime to be drunk while in charge of any mechanically-propelled vehicle on a highway or other public place.

Penalties for this offence included a fine of up to 50 pounds, a possible prison sentence of up to four months, and disqualification from holding a driving license for a minimum period of 12 months.

 

1930: The Road Traffic Act

Shortly after, in 1930, The Road Traffic Act moved the needle. It declared that it was an offence to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or any other public place while being ‘under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle’.

This piece of legislation expanded liability to include not just driving but also attempting to drive. However, it still lacked a precise, quantifiable measure of what constituted being ‘under the influence’, leaving much to interpretation.

 

1962: The Road Traffic Act (The Marples Act)

The Road Traffic Act of 1962 reinforced the message that it was an offence for any person to drive, attempt to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle if their ‘ability to drive properly was for the time being impaired’. However, this Act was notable because it introduced the possibility of using blood, urine, or breath samples for alcohol analysis. 

Failing or refusing to provide a specimen was not yet an offence. However, refusal without reasonable cause could be considered as ‘supporting any evidence given on behalf of the prosecution, or as rebutting any evidence given on behalf of the defence’. This 1962 iteration of the Road Traffic Act became known as The Marples Act, after Ernest Marples, the then Minister of Transport.

 

 

1967: Road Safety Act (The Introduction of the Maximum Legal Drink Drive Limit)

In 1967, the UK government made it an offence to drive a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (80mg/100ml). The Act was groundbreaking because it finally set a clear, legal threshold for what constituted an ‘excess’ of alcohol in the body. This limit remains today for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, in 2014, Scotland brought in a stricter legal limit of 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (50mg/100ml).

The Road Safety Act also marked the beginning of the rollout of breathalysers, enabling police to test drivers’ BAC levels to gauge the level of intoxication at the roadside. Before this, prosecutions relied heavily on subjective tests and police observations. 

Finally, the Act made it an offence to fail to provide an ‘evidential’ blood or urine specimen for laboratory testing without reasonable excuse. Refusing a breath test without reasonable excuse also became an offence, with penalties including arrest without warrant and a fine of up to £50.

 

1981: Evidential Breath Testing

After years of trialling various breath-testing devices at the roadside, the Lion Intoximeter 3000 was approved and introduced in 1983. This machine produced scientifically accurate and reliable results, which could be used as solid evidence for prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court.

 

Speak with Parnell and Peel for Further Expert Insights

Although regulations have continued to evolve since the landmark 1967 Act, the Act undoubtedly set the foundation for the legal limits and testing procedures still used today.  

If you’ve been charged with driving over the legal limit and are uncertain about your next steps, you don’t have to face the charge alone. Contact our specialist drink-driving solicitors as soon as possible for expert guidance. With decades of experience, we know how to build strong technical defences that can turn the tide in your favour – even when the odds seem stacked against you. 

Call us today on 033 03411690 or submit a free online enquiry. All communications are confidential, and you are not obliged to proceed with our services. Are you curious to see the difference we can make? Explore our Client Testimonials and Case Studies to learn more about the results we can achieve. 

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“Hi Abdul, I would like to thank you and your team for looking after me after been charged with Drink Driving, from the initial contact with Nancy to speaking to you and especially Keiran who represented me in court, who I can’t thank enough. When I thought there was no hope you and Kieran sorted what I thought was a hopeless case. I would strongly recommend you to anyone in the same position. Again thank you to you and your team.”

Nigel Murray

“My family and friends were sceptical about using Solicitors after I was stopped for drink driving. Parnell & Peel Solicitors were willing take a case on that others told was hopeless. I am astounded by Abdul and his teams brilliance in helping me to avoid conviction. If you have been stopped for drink driving do not hesitate to use Parnell & Peel Solicitors.”

Thomas Mcdonagh

“Stopped for drink driving, I started a dream job, and I could have lost everything, Kieran was brilliant at putting forward detailed legal arguments, which resulted in the prosecution offering no evidence in my case. Unbelievable, Thank you to Parnell & Peel Solicitors.”

Oliver Reith

Pricey but when you have your livelihood at stake definitely worth it. No jargon Abdul was just great at explaining away difficult concepts very easily. The barrister used was also fantastic. They are a great firm.”

Mizlain Walton

Parnell and Peel what can you say. Abdul was amazing meticulous and professional throughout. Great customer care and friendly team. Everything was outstanding. Fantastic team, fantastic result.”

Alina Arten

“It was the worse time of my life. My nephew had made allegation against me. I contacted Parnell and Peel, and from the very first conversation with Abdul, I knew he was the one to help me. Parnell used many experts including psychological ones to show that my nephew was not telling the truth, old phone records were also used to provide me with a defence. I was relieved when the Prosecution dropped by Case. I will forever be grateful to the team at Parnell.”

RT

“Thank You, Thank you. I believed my life had ended. I was falsely accused of Rape and I didn’t know where to turn to. I contacted many solicitors, until deciding upon Parnell. It’s the best decision I ever made. The Prosecution offered no evidence, during the Crown Court hearing.”

MS

“Parnell and Peel are magnificent, not only are they excellent at their jobs, but they are humans. Abdul was truly amazing, as was the whole team. The thought of prison for something I did not do was truly terrifying. Abduls amazing eye for detail saved the day. The prosecution had noty followed the correct procedure, and the witnesses had lied on oath. I was found not guilty”

JW

“Brilliant, absolutely amazing firm. I contacted Abdul, having spoken to other firms, although more expensive, you simply get what you pay for. Attentive, inquisitive, and fantastic in Court, both Abdul and John wo represented me during my trial were excellent. Found not guilty of historic allegations.”

Anonymous

These guys are the real deal. Abdul was absolutely excellent in dealing with my drink driving case. We didn’t have a very strong case but thanks to his preparation, perseverance and calm approach in court, the charge was dropped.

In court, Abdul was quick thinking and really dictated the speed and flow of proceedings, taking time to properly consider the argument put forward and close down the prosecution.

Highly recommend.

Archie1254

Amazing support from Abdul.

I had charge from the court for 12 points for two different incidents.

Abdul assisted me with this like family and finally got out of the charges. It was nearly a year journey and I never felt left alone.

I recommend everyone to seek advice from him, very knowledgeable and helpful.

Waarisha Iffat

They done the impossible, got caught drink driving, I thought I would lose my license, however Abdul Ali insisted that I had a case, I just decided to take the risk, it went a lot better than I could have ever imagined.

He managed to drop my case before it got to the second trial, the whole experience was very smooth and he was very positive and uplifting throughout the whole process.

Just trust them and leave them to do their job.

THEY WILL SORT IT.

Will recommend them to everyone!

Mani Sameni

Mr Abdul Ali took my case on a few weeks before my case, he understood how vital it was for me to not get a ban on my driving licence due to totting up of points.

He was reassuring all through out the build up to my case, he guided me all through the information I would need for presenting evidence for an exceptional hardship case and on the day went through how the court process would be.

I was very nervous but through his expertise and guidance I was able to present my case and was successful in not being banned from driving.

I could not state highly enough how valuable he was to my case and me personally as soon as I met him I knew he was the right solicitor for me.

He took the time to understand my case and what I had to loose and did everything in professional capacity in court to ensure I received the verdict that I wanted.

I would highly recommend his services and expertise to anyone in such driving offences situation.

Kindera Hopkins

Abdul Ali was extremely helpful and re-assuring throughout the process.

He was always available and on-call even outside your traditional working hours.

I’d highly recommend Abdul as with his experience and confidence regarding the matter, he’s always comfortable in dealing with it as he’s been there and done it many times before!

Ashraf Kizito

I am extremely grateful for the exceptional services provided by solicitor Abdul in my drink-driving case.

His expertise and dedication resulted in a successful outcome even before we went to court.

I was impressed by his thorough understanding of the legal system and his ability to navigate through the complexities of my case.

I highly recommend Abdul for anyone in need of a reliable and skilled solicitor.

Thank you for your outstanding work!

Gani Qufaj

First of all I would like to start with a massive Thankyou to Abdul Ali and his team.

This is to be my first review as I have never ever posted one.

I was charged with Failure To Provide Specimen with the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The prosecution was looking to throw the book at me give a custodial sentence however due to Abdul’s above and beyond examination of the evidence it was concluded that the prosecution had no case as they had no evidence of me driving the car.

If you are in trouble it is always worth getting legal advice and seeing what can be done.

This guy is an extremely educated person and knows exactly what he is talking about.

He was throughout in contact even answering my phone at stupid times when I used to have some questions so I got to give it to him for his dedication.

All in all I would definitely say this firm and Abdul Ali is definitely someone I’d blindly put my trust in.

Jeremiah Daniel

Abdul was brilliant to work with.

Answered all calls and texts with helpful information and on the day of court.

He got me the outcome I wanted

Anna Heywood

Can’t recommend Abdul and his team enough.

Even when I taught there was nothing I could Abdul reassured he would do everything he could.

Very perfessional and were always at the other end of the phone.

Received the best outcome there is and kept my license.

Kevin Murray

Drink driving- Not guilty.

Worth every penny!

I was certain I would lose my license at the time.

After contacting Parnell and Peel, Abdul quickly filled me with confidence and explained in great detail how he would defend my case.

He clearly has a lot of experience and knowledge.

In the end I didn’t even need to go to trial as my case was dropped a few days before, all thanks to Abdul and his team.

I can’t thank him enough and I would highly recommend Parnell and Peel solicitors to anyone.

Louis Harrison

Wow, words cannot express how happy I am today when I was told the good news by Abdul that my drink drive court case has been dropped.

From the very first day I contacted Abdul when i was charged with drink drive offense, he assured me to calm down and that he will do all he can to get me the possible outcome and that is exacted what I had.

I will 100% recommend Parnell and Peel Solicitors to you if you find yourself at the wrong side of the law.

Once again, thank you Abdul, Thank you Parnell and Peel Solicitors.

Leonard A

After a gruelling process of putting forward a post consumption defence the CPS failed to counter defend the evidence presented by the team at Parnell and Peel.

I’m a happy man and glad I get to keep my licence!

Ismail A

Contacted Pamell and Peel on Friday re a driving offence.

Answered immediately.

Abdul has been extremely helpful.

I would definitely recommend.

Ewan B

I was stopped for drink drive I was devastated as I stood on the verge of losing everything

I spoke to Abdul and he was reassuring and informed me that we could put a technical defence forward.

The prosecution on the day of the trial offered no evidence.

I am so grateful to the team at Parnel.

My experience was excellent particular thanks go to Abdul

Eliza A