Starting in April 2026, new regulations are set to make drunk-driving checks more reliable in an effort to improve road safety and reduce alcohol-related accidents. These changes, part of a broader road safety strategy, aim to enhance the accuracy of breathalyzer tests and bring England and Wales closer to Scotland's stricter drink-driving laws.
The current legal drink-driving limits in England and Wales are 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath and 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The proposed changes seek to reduce these limits to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath and 50mg per 100ml of blood, aligning with Scotland's existing legislation. Scotland lowered its legal threshold on December 5, 2014, to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 ml of breath (50 milligrams per 100ml of blood). This is stricter than the limits in England and Wales.
These new rules mean that even a small amount of alcohol could put drivers at risk of being over the legal limit. "Even one pint of beer or one glass of wine may be enough to tip some people over the legal drink driving limit, putting them in a lot of trouble". Factors such as metabolism, body weight, stress, and food intake can affect how alcohol is absorbed, making it difficult to calculate precisely how much alcohol will exceed the limit.
The updated measures include mandatory enhanced accuracy for breathalyzers and a built-in printer to provide immediate results. These improvements are intended to eliminate doubts about the accuracy of the tests and ensure transparency in enforcement.
The move to reduce the drink-driving limit is expected to significantly impact driver behavior and public safety. By lowering the permissible alcohol level, the government hopes to deter drivers from consuming any alcohol before getting behind the wheel. This change could particularly affect social drinkers who are accustomed to having a drink or two before driving.
The changes are not limited to stricter alcohol limits. The broader road safety package also includes mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 and updated penalties for traffic offenses. Additionally, the government is considering technology-based enforcement measures to further enhance road safety.
While the changes are aimed at reducing road fatalities and serious injuries, they also raise questions about their potential impact on the hospitality industry. Stricter laws could lead to decreased alcohol consumption in pubs and restaurants, affecting their revenue. To mitigate any negative impact, the government may need to consider measures to support the hospitality sector.
The proposed changes have undergone government consultation, with legislation expected to be introduced in 2026. If passed, this would be the first reduction in the drink-drive limit for England and Wales since 1967. The key takeaway for drivers is that avoiding alcohol entirely before driving is the safest and most responsible choice. Even small amounts of alcohol can push drivers over the legal threshold, and individual factors make it difficult to gauge how much is safe.
