The Ultimate Police Handbook
Driving, or being in charge, when under the influence of drink or drugs
Driving, or being in charge, when under the influence of drink or drugs
s.4 Road Traffic Act 1988
Traffic
⚖️ Definition
A person who, when driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs is guilty of an offence.
Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, a person who, when in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle which is on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs is guilty of an offence.
Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, a person who, when in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle which is on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs is guilty of an offence.
📋 Points to Prove
- drove/attempted to drive/be in charge of
- a MPV
- on a road or other public place
- whilst unfit to drive through drink or drugs
- a MPV
- on a road or other public place
- whilst unfit to drive through drink or drugs
⚖️ Powers & Punishment
Driving: Up to 6 months imprisonment and/or fine. Between 3 to 11 points on license and compulsory disqualification.
In charge: Up to 3 months imprisonment and/or fine and up to 10 points with possible disqualification
In charge: Up to 3 months imprisonment and/or fine and up to 10 points with possible disqualification
⚖️ Offence Type
Summary
Either Way
Indictable
📄 Charging Codes
RT88339 - Drive - unfit through drink
RT88340 - Drive a vehicle - unfit through drugs
RT88343 - Attempt to drive - unfit thgrough drink
RT88344 - Attempt to drive - unfit through drugs
RT88347 - In charge - unfit through drunk
RT88348 - In charge - unfit through drugs
📁 Crime Recording
PNC Recordable
No Crime Report Required