The limit has remained unchanged since its introduction by the Road Safety Act 1967, which also gave the police powers to breath-test drivers suspected of drink driving. What are the current penalties?
• up to 6 months in prison • a fine of up to £5000 • a minimum of 12 months’ disqualification (3 years for a second offence within 10 years) Why isn’t the limit zero? Even without drinking, some alcohol can be present in the body from other sources, such as when produced by the fermentation processes in the digestion of certain foods, or as an ingredient in mouth wash. This means that a zero limit isn’t practical. What is the Rehabilitation Scheme? Courts may refer drink drive offenders, with their agreement, to a course approved by the Secretary of State and for which they have to pay. The course is intended to educate the offender about the effect of alcohol and driving with the aim of achieving a change in driver behaviour. If successfully completed, an offender will have his disqualification reduced by up to 25 per cent. Courses include at least 16 hours of teaching time. Studies of the scheme have shown that those who do not attend a course are approximately twice as likely to re-
