Although it is self-explanatory as to why drink driving is a dangerous act, it is interesting to know when it became illegal. It may be a lot earlier than you expect, too! In our blog, we will cover the history behind drinking and driving, its effects, and then compare them to now, and even how to deal with the aftermath of being involved in similar incidents, and where to move forward from there. 

We all know that drinking and driving don’t mix, but when exactly did it become illegal in the UK? The journey from horse-drawn carriages to breathalysers is more interesting than you might think. Here’s how the laws around drunk driving have evolved over time.

The first UK law that touched on drink driving wasn’t even about cars. In 1872, the Licensing Act made it illegal to be drunk while in charge of a horse, carriage, or even cattle in a public place. Getting caught could land you a fine or even jail time.

It was in 1925 when the Criminal Justice Act officially made it an offence to be drunk in charge of a mechanically-propelled vehicle. This was the first time motor vehicles were mentioned specifically. Penalties included a hefty fine, imprisonment, or a ban from driving for at least a year.

As cars became more common, lawmakers tightened things up. The Road Traffic Acts of 1930 and 1960 expanded on earlier rules, making it clear that driving while “unfit through drink or drugs" was illegal. Still, there was no legal limit for how much alcohol you could have in your system.

The real game-changer came in 1967 with the Road Safety Act. This introduced the first legal alcohol limit for drivers: 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood; a limit that still applies today in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This law also paved the way for roadside testing and the use of breathalysers, making enforcement more practical and consistent.

While these laws may seem like common sense now, it took nearly a century of evolving transport and behaviour to get to this point. Today, drink driving remains a serious offence with severe consequences, and rightly so.

Whether you’re writing about road safety or just curious about how laws evolve, the UK’s journey with drink driving is a perfect example of how legal systems adapt with technology and culture. Here are some reasons why its importance has grown over the years.

More Cars Over The Years

In the early 1900s, there were only a few thousand vehicles on UK roads. Today, there are over 40 million registered vehicles. That’s a massive increase in road users, meaning the chances of a collision, especially under the influence, are significantly higher.

More Road Distractions

Modern driving demands quicker reaction times. You’re navigating roundabouts, motorways, e-scooters, cyclists, and pedestrians. Alcohol affects judgement, reaction time, and coordination.

We live in a hyper-distracted world. With texts, sat navs, and more. It only takes a second of impaired focus to cause a serious crash. Driving under the influence on top of all that? A recipe for disaster.

The consequences of drink driving can be quite drastic when it comes to you committing the crime. Driving under the influence has always carried serious risks, both to safety and to legal standing. As of 2025, the penalties for drink driving in the UK are at their most focal points, with increased enforcement, new sentencing guidelines, and growing public pressure for even tougher measures. Let’s take a look at some consequences of drink driving in 2025:

Legal penalties

• Driving over the limit: up to 6 months in prison, unlimited fine, minimum 12-month driving ban
• In charge of a vehicle (not driving): up to 3 months in prison, £2,500 fine, possible ban or points
• Refusing a breath, blood or urine test: same penalties as driving over the limit
• Causing death while over the limit: up to life in prison, minimum 5-year ban, extended retest required

Licence and driving impact

• Automatic disqualification
• Longer bans for repeat offenders
• Extended retest needed in serious cases
• Medical assessment may be required before licence is returned

Financial consequences

• Unlimited fines
• Higher insurance costs
• Legal and court fees
• Drink-drive rehabilitation course may be required (at your own cost)

Criminal record

• Conviction appears on record
• Can limit employment options
• May restrict travel to some countries (e.g. USA)

2025 updates

• Lower legal limit likely (from 80mg to 50mg in England and Wales)
• Stricter sentencing guidelines in effect
• Campaigns pushing for lifetime bans for all drink-driving offences

They explain your rights – so you don’t say or do the wrong thing.

They check if police followed the rules – if not, your case could be weaker or dropped.

They can reduce your punishment – like a shorter ban or smaller fine.

They speak for you in court – and help you feel more prepared.

They guide you after the case – like getting your licence back or dealing with medical checks.

They help protect your future – especially if your job or travel plans are affected.

Contact Broadbents Solicitors Today – Located in Alfreton & Heanor

For expert legal advice and assistance towards drink driving instances, our team at Broadbents Solicitors provide the best outcomes for you.  Contact us today, and we will begin your redemption journey straight away!