UK Drink-Driving Limits: BAC Rules for England and Scotland
Compare the UK drink-driving limits for England, Wales and Northern Ireland with Scotland, including official blood, breath and urine measurements.
UK drink-driving limits at a glance
The prescribed limit is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland uses a lower limit of 50 mg per 100 ml. The limits apply by jurisdiction; the official rules do not set a separate lower national limit for new or professional drivers.
| Driver group or jurisdiction | Blood | Breath | Urine |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Wales and Northern Ireland | 80 mg per 100 ml | 35 µg per 100 ml | 107 mg per 100 ml |
| Scotland | 50 mg per 100 ml | 22 µg per 100 ml | 67 mg per 100 ml |
New drivers
The prescribed limit depends on the UK jurisdiction, not how recently the driver passed the test.
Professional drivers
The statutory prescribed limit is not a separate national BAC tier, although employers and operators may impose stricter workplace policies.
Reviewed July 2026
How the UK limits apply
Prescribed limits differ by jurisdiction
GOV.UK publishes one set of blood, breath and urine limits for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a lower set for Scotland. A drink count cannot establish whether someone is below either limit because alcohol affects people differently.
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The prescribed limits are 80 mg per 100 ml blood, 35 µg per 100 ml breath and 107 mg per 100 ml urine.
Scotland
The prescribed limits are 50 mg per 100 ml blood, 22 µg per 100 ml breath and 67 mg per 100 ml urine.
Drink-driving penalties
| Category | Key measures |
|---|---|
| Driving or attempting to drive over the limit | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment / An unlimited fine / A driving ban of at least 1 year; at least 3 years after two convictions within 10 years |
| Refusing a specimen for analysis | Up to 6 months’ imprisonment / An unlimited fine / A driving ban of at least 1 year; at least 3 years after two convictions within 10 years |
| Being in charge while over the limit | Up to 3 months’ imprisonment / A fine up to £2,500 / A possible driving ban |
Driving or attempting to drive over the limit
- Up to 6 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban of at least 1 year; at least 3 years after two convictions within 10 years
Refusing a specimen for analysis
- Up to 6 months’ imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A driving ban of at least 1 year; at least 3 years after two convictions within 10 years
Being in charge while over the limit
- Up to 3 months’ imprisonment
- A fine up to £2,500
- A possible driving ban
Practical points from official guidance
There is no reliable drinks-to-limit conversion
GOV.UK says it is impossible to state exactly how many drinks equal the legal limit. Weight, age, sex, metabolism, drink type, food and stress can all affect the result.
Court outcomes vary
The actual sentence depends on the offence and the court. A court may offer a drink-drive rehabilitation course to some people banned for 12 months or more.
A UK ban applies throughout the UK
A person banned by any UK court for drink-driving cannot drive anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Jurisdiction differences
England, Wales and Northern Ireland
80 mg/100 ml blood, 35 µg/100 ml breath and 107 mg/100 ml urine.
Scotland
50 mg/100 ml blood, 22 µg/100 ml breath and 67 mg/100 ml urine.
Official sources and editorial review
Reviewed by the BacCalculator.online Editorial Team. This summary is educational and is not legal advice.