The UK is tightening its drink-driving laws, meaning you’ll be able to drink less alcohol before you’re over the legal limit. It’s all part of a government push to cut the number of deaths on our roads.
Right now, the legal limit in England and Wales is 80 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of blood, one of the highest in Europe. Plans are in motion to lower it, bringing it closer to limits in countries like Scotland, where it’s already stricter.
In 2023, there were 6,310 drink-drive casualties, including 260 deaths. While that’s a slight drop from the year before, the numbers have barely shifted since 2010.
Another big change on the table is the possible introduction of alcolocks. These are in-car breathalysers that stop your car from starting if you’re over the limit. Under EU safety rules, all new cars would need to be ready for them straight from the factory, and they could be made mandatory for repeat offenders.
Road safety groups are backing the move, saying it’s a step in the right direction. But experts warn that simply lowering the limit isn’t enough; tackling repeat offenders and drug-drivers is just as important.
On top of this, the government is also looking at:
- Stricter eyesight checks for drivers over 70 (fail, and you lose your licence)
- Penalty points for passengers not wearing a seatbelt
Bottom line? If you’re driving, the safest bet is still simple: don’t drink at all.
