Drink Driving
Drink Driving
Drink driving laws in Ireland are extremely strict. It is an offence to drive in the state of being intoxicated and having low control over your vehicle. The intoxicants can either be alcohol or drugs. Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, reduced the alcohol limits set for drunk drivers. As drinking and driving can lead to hazardous consequences, the law takes strict actions against the offender.
The drinking limits vary for different drivers based on their driving experience. Lower alcohol limits are rigid for new drivers, compared to the strictness for experienced drivers. The alcohol limits apply to all drivers-buses, lorries, taxis, work vehicles, etc. However, the legal procedure for prosecution can be stressful and the help of drink driving solicitors will help in dealing with the legalities smoothly.
Alcohol Testing
The driver of vehciles can be subjected to random breath testing by the Gardaì, without a confirmed opinion that the driver has consumed alcohol.
The Gardaì can stop any vehicle and ask the driver to accompany to a checkpoint and:
- Provide a specimen of breath by exhaling into equipment used to detect alcohol presence
- Provide a specimen of their saliva
- Leave the vehicle where it has been stopped
Offences for Drink Driving
Under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, there are 4 drink driving offences, for which charges could be pressed on the driver.
- Driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public space, under the influence of an intoxicant. The influence is to an extent where the control of the vehicle is lost.
- While driving or attempting to drive after drinking, within 3 hours, the concentration level of alcohol in your blood exceeds: – 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for experienced drivers – 20 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for non-experienced drivers
- While driving or attempting to drive after drinking, within 3 hours, the concentration level of alcohol in your urine exceeds: – 67 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine for experienced drivers – 27 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine for non-experienced drivers
- While driving or attempting to drive after drinking, within 3 hours, the concentration level of alcohol in your breath exceeds: – 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath for an experienced driver – 9 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath for non-experienced drivers
These offences can lead to severe penalties. If you need to speak with an experienced drink driving solicitor, call us today as we can provide you with legal advice and representation if needed.
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We strive to get the right results at the right price for our Road Traffic clients. We have a professional, experienced and hands on approach to assist you with all of your legal needs.
Brian Keenan
Principal Solicitor
With over 13 years of experience in the legal industry, Brian has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in advising clients who find themselves in a difficult situation. Brian’s passion is in getting the best possible results for his clients.
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If you need to speak with an experienced drink driving solicitor, call us today as we can provide you with legal advice and representation if needed.