Drink-drive ban calculator
Enter the reading from your charge sheet. You’ll see which row of the sentencing guideline it falls in, the ban a court starts from, and the likely sentence. This is for a case already charged, not for deciding whether to drive.
- Sentencing Council excess alcohol guideline, England and Wales
- Figures checked 25 October 2026
- You’ll need the lower reading from your charge sheet or blood/urine result
Your result
Enter your reading.
The sentencing table
Magistrates in England and Wales start from this table. The reading decides the row, and the row sets the ban length and the type of sentence. Courts then adjust for things like the reason for driving, the distance, passengers, or an accident.
| Breath (µg) | Blood (mg) | Urine (mg) | Ban | Starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36–59 | 81–137 | 108–183 | 12–16 months | Band C fine |
| 60–89 | 138–206 | 184–274 | 17–22 months | Band C fine |
| 90–119 | 207–275 | 275–366 | 23–28 months | Medium-level community order |
| 120 and above | 276 and above | 367 and above | 29–36 months | 12 weeks in custody |
With a relevant conviction in the previous 10 years, the minimum ban is 3 years and the guideline ranges run from 36–40 months in the lowest row to 36–60 months in the highest. There is no upper limit on the fine.
Worked example
A breath reading of 52 micrograms falls in the first row: a ban of 12 to 16 months and a band C fine. On £500 a week take-home, band C starts at 150%, which is £750. A guilty plea at the first chance takes a third off, leaving £500, plus a £200 surcharge and costs.
A drink-driving charge is serious. Speak to a solicitor who handles motoring cases before your first hearing, especially if you might lose your job without a licence.
Questions people ask
What is the drink-drive limit in England and Wales?
35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood, or 107 milligrams in 100 millilitres of urine. Northern Ireland uses the same limits.
Is the limit different in Scotland?
Yes, it is lower: 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath, 50mg per 100ml of blood and 67mg per 100ml of urine. Scottish courts don’t use the Sentencing Council guideline this calculator is built on.
What is the minimum ban for drink driving?
At least 12 months. If you were convicted of a drink or drug driving offence in the 10 years before this offence, the minimum is 3 years.
Can I get my ban reduced?
If the ban is 12 months or more, the court can offer a drink-drive rehabilitation course. Finish it in time and the ban is cut by up to a quarter. You pay for the course yourself.
How long does a drink-driving conviction stay on my licence?
The DR10 endorsement stays on your driving record for 11 years from the date of conviction, and it carries 3 to 11 points if the court doesn’t ban you.
Can this tell me if I’m safe to drive?
No, and nothing can. How alcohol affects you depends on your weight, food, sleep and the drink itself. The only safe amount before driving is none.