How much can I drink and still drive?

A unit of alcohol is a standardised measure used in the United Kingdom to quantify the amount of pure alcohol in an alcoholic beverage.

One unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 millilitres (or 8 grams) of pure alcohol.
To put this into perspective:

• A typical pint of beer (with 4% alcohol by volume) contains around 2.3 units of alcohol.
• A standard 25ml shot of spirits (with 40% alcohol by volume) is approximately one unit.
• A 175ml glass of wine (with 12% alcohol by volume) has about 2.1 units.

However, it’s essential to understand that the number of units in a drink can vary based on its size and alcohol content. For instance, stronger beers or larger wine glasses will contain more units.

Units are a helpful way to gauge alcohol consumption, but they should be used as a rough guide. The effects of alcohol can differ from person to person due to factors like metabolism, weight, and age. Therefore, while units can provide a general idea of alcohol intake, they don’t necessarily indicate how intoxicated or impaired an individual might be.

A pint of beer’s alcohol content can vary based on its strength, but here’s a general guideline for the UK:

• Pint of lower-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 3.6%): 2 units.
• Pint of higher-strength lager/beer/cider (ABV 5.2%): 3 units.

It’s essential to note that the actual number of units can differ based on the specific beer and its alcohol by volume (ABV). For instance, a pint of a beer with an ABV of 4% will have a different unit count than one with an ABV of 6%. Always check the label or ask the server for the specific ABV of the beer you’re drinking to get a more accurate unit count.

Furthermore, while knowing the number of units in a drink can help gauge alcohol consumption, it’s crucial to remember that individual factors like metabolism, weight, and age can influence how alcohol affects you. As such, even if you consume an amount below the legal limit, you might still be impaired and unsafe to drive.

To calculate the number of units in a drink, you can use the following formula:

Number of Units = (Volume in ml × Alcohol by Volume (ABV) as a percentage) ÷ 1,000

For example:

This formula allows you to determine the alcohol content in any drink based on its volume and ABV. It’s essential to note that the ABV can vary between different brands or types of the same alcoholic beverage, so always check the label for the most accurate information.

Understanding the number of units in a drink can help individuals make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption, especially if they are considering driving or want to monitor their intake for health reasons.

A drink driving conviction can significantly impact your car insurance premiums. On average, insurance premiums can increase by over 100% for 5 years following a conviction.

This means that if your annual insurance premium was £1,000 before the conviction, the cost of your insurance post-conviction (for the 5-year period) could amount to an additional £5,000, making the total £10,000 over the 5 years.

When insurers calculate premiums, they consider the risk associated with the driver. A drink driving conviction indicates a higher risk, leading to increased premiums. Some insurance providers might even refuse to cover individuals with such convictions. However, as the years pass after the conviction, and if no further incidents occur, the premiums may gradually decrease, but they are likely to remain higher than for someone without a conviction.

It’s also important to note that failing to declare a drink driving conviction when seeking insurance can result in the policy being invalidated, which can lead to further legal consequences.

For those with a drink driving conviction, it’s advisable to shop around and compare car insurance prices. We can help with convicted driver insurance and offer a car insurance price comparison to assist you in finding the best deal suitable for your circumstances.

The most straightforward and safest advice is: If you plan to drive, do not drink any alcohol.

However, if you do have a drink and drive here are 7 practical tips for staying safe:

1. Use a Breathalyser: Before driving, use a personal breathalyser to check your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). While these devices can give you an idea of your alcohol level, they might not be 100% accurate, so always err on the side of caution.
2. Understand Your Alcohol Tolerance: Everyone processes alcohol differently. Factors like weight, age, sex, metabolism, and the amount of food consumed can influence how quickly your body metabolises alcohol. It’s crucial to be aware of your personal limits and not rely solely on how you feel.
3. Wait It Out: On average, the body processes about one unit of alcohol per hour. However, this rate can vary. If you’ve consumed alcohol, it’s always safer to wait longer than you think you might need.
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages can help to reduce the overall alcohol concentration in your bloodstream.
5. Plan Ahead: If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange alternative transportation in advance, such as a taxi, rideshare service, or a designated driver.
6. Avoid Myths: Drinking coffee, taking cold showers, or eating won’t speed up the alcohol metabolisation process. These might make you feel more awake, but they won’t reduce your BAC.
7. Stay Informed: Always be aware of the current drink driving limits in your area and remember that even small amounts of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and increase the risk of an accident.

Driving under the influence of alcohol poses significant risks, not just to the driver but also to other road users. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid driving if you’ve consumed any alcohol.