Drink-Drive Limit UK 2026: England, Wales and Scotland
The UK drink-drive limit explained: breath, blood and urine limits in England, Wales and Northern Ireland vs Scotland, penalties and the morning after.
Last updated: 3 min readCo-Drive Editorial
In this article
The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath (80 mg per 100 ml of blood). Scotland's limit is lower, at 22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath (50 mg per 100 ml of blood). There's no safe way to tell how much you can drink and stay under it, so the only safe choice is not to drink at all if you're driving.
Here's what the limits mean, the penalties and why the "morning after" catches so many people out.
UK drink-drive limits
| Measure | England, Wales and Northern Ireland | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Breath (micrograms per 100 ml) | 35 | 22 |
| Blood (milligrammes per 100 ml) | 80 | 50 |
| Urine (milligrammes per 100 ml) | 107 | 67 |
Source: GOV.UK. Highway Code rule 95 gives the same limits.
Why you can't count drinks
The amount of alcohol that takes you over the limit depends on:
- your weight, age, sex and metabolism
- the type and strength of drink (strengths vary widely)
- how much you've eaten
- how quickly you drink
- stress, tiredness and medication
Two people drinking the same amount can have very different results, and the same person can vary from day to day. That's why GOV.UK and The Highway Code don't give a "number of drinks". Even below the limit, alcohol affects your judgement, reactions and coordination.
Drink-driving penalties
According to GOV.UK:
| Offence | Possible penalty |
|---|---|
| Being in charge of a vehicle while over the limit or unfit through drink | Up to 3 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to £2,500 and a possible ban |
| Driving or attempting to drive while over the limit or unfit | Up to 6 months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban of at least 1 year (at least 3 years if convicted twice in 10 years) |
| Refusing to provide a specimen for analysis | Up to 6 months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a ban of at least 1 year |
| Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink | Up to life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a ban of at least 5 years and an extended driving test |
A conviction also makes insurance much more expensive and can affect jobs and travel.
The morning after
Highway Code rule 95 warns that alcohol may still affect you the next day, and you could be over the limit or unfit to drive. Your body clears alcohol slowly, and nothing speeds it up: not coffee, cold showers, food or sleep.
If you've had a heavy night, plan not to drive the next morning, or use public transport or a taxi.
Drugs and medicines
Rule 96 says you must not drive under the influence of drugs or medicines. Some illegal drugs have very low legal limits, so even small amounts can put you over. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can also affect driving. Check the label and ask your pharmacist or doctor.
Advice for new drivers
New drivers are especially at risk because they're still building experience. The Highway Code's safety code for new drivers says never to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Agree a plan before a night out: a designated driver who doesn't drink at all, public transport or a taxi. Read after you pass your driving test and our night driving tips.
Summary
The limit is 35 micrograms per 100 ml of breath in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 22 in Scotland. You can't reliably count your way under it, penalties include a ban of at least a year, and you can still be over the limit the next morning. If you're driving, don't drink. For other key rules, see UK speed limits and the mobile phone driving law.
Learn the rules with Co-Drive
Co-Drive is an iOS app with original theory practice questions written from The Highway Code (not official DVSA questions), covering alcohol, drugs and fitness to drive, with spaced review. Find out more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the drink-drive limit in England?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, or 107 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine.
Is the drink-drive limit lower in Scotland?
Yes. In Scotland the limit is 22 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath, 50 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood, or 67 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine.
How many drinks can I have and still drive?
There's no reliable way to know. Alcohol affects people differently depending on weight, sex, metabolism, food and many other factors. The only safe option is not to drink at all if you're driving.
Can I be over the limit the morning after drinking?
Yes. Alcohol can stay in your body for many hours, and The Highway Code warns that you may still be over the limit or unfit to drive the next morning.
Sources
- The drink drive limit (GOV.UK)
- Drink-driving penalties (GOV.UK)
- The Highway Code: rules for drivers, rules 95 and 96 (GOV.UK)
This article is general guidance and does not replace official sources. Rules and prices change, so check the linked sources before you act.