This time of year usually means more social engagements, often with alcohol. The consequences of drunk driving, like a seasonal cold, can range from moderate to severe, but you can plan for nights out that will allow for plenty of merriment without punishment to come later. If you do find yourself in a legal bind during the holidays, you will need the assistance and advice of drink driving solicitors. Forewarned is forearmed, though, so plan and educate yourself in order to better enjoy the holiday season.
Plan before the party
You usually know ahead of time when you’ll be attending December festivities, so plan accordingly. Have enough cash on hand – and keep it separate from your spending money for the night – to take a long taxi ride if necessary. Alternatively, download an online taxi service if you haven’t already. Too many people drink more than “planned to” and end up without the means to get home at the end of the night. This problem is easily solved.
Know your driving record
Endorsements stay on your record for a minimum of three years and a maximum of eleven, but the details are important: The minimum penalty is an endorsement of three years. After three years, the points are still visible for another year but they no longer contribute to your total. They can, however, be taken into account by a magistrate if you have another offence. The lesson: be aware of the current status of your driving record.
You can learn about the current codes and penalties on the government’s website, but know that the points listed are subject to the judgment of the Court, so you simply cannot assume anything about the possible penalties you’ll face if you incur a drink driving offence. For instance, the points listed for all drink and drugs offences range from 3 to 11, including causing death.
Know your limits and a bit of the law
Throughout the EU and the UK, England, Wales and Malta stand alone in their high tolerance for blood alcohol limits, with the current legal amounts in England and Wales standing as follows: 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, and 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine. We all know how tricky it is to gauge one’s tolerance, but if you’re a small woman, for example, you are best off assuming that your limit is one drink over a period of three hours.
