This is driving, attempting to drive or being in charge of a vehicle on a road or in a public place (e.g. in a car park) with a blood/alcohol level above the legal limit and here are the codes, particular traffic offence and the penalty points incurred by such a n offence. Offence codes DR10-DR30 and DR80 must stay on a driving licence for 11 years from date of conviction, while DR40-DR70 and DR90 must remain on a driving license for 4 years.
| Penalty code | Offence committed | Penalty points |
| DR10 | Driving or attempting to drive with an alcohol level above limit | 3-11 |
| DR20 | Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink | 3-11 |
| DR30 | Driving or attempting to drive then failing to supply a specimen for analysis | 3-11 |
| DR40 | In charge of a vehicle while alcohol level above limit | 10 |
| DR50 | In charge of a vehicle while unfit through drink | 10 |
| DR60 | Failure to provide a specimen for analysis in circumstances other than driving or attempting to drive | 10 |
| DR70 | Failing to provide specimen for breath test | 4 |
| DR80 | Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs | 3-11 |
| DR90 | In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs | 10 |
Totting-up penalty points.
Remember, the more penalty points you tot up, the more impact it will have on your bike insurance. Also, if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years, you’ll be liable to be disqualified under the totting-up system. This is shown on your licence as TT99.
Take a deep breath.
If you’re driving, attempting to drive, or in charge of a motorbike or vehicle on the road or in a public place and the police suspect you may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, then you’ll be required to provide two breath samples at the roadside to see whether you’re over the prescribed limit of alcohol – which is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
What if it’s positive?
If the test proves positive, you’ll be arrested and taken to the nearest police station where you’ll routinely be asked to provide two specimens of breath for analysis. If the two readings differ then the police must rely on the lower reading. But if the reading indicates that you’re over the limit, then you’ll be charged.
What if I can’t or won’t take it?
You don’t have the right to refuse to a breath test and insist on supplying a sample of blood or urine instead. If you suffer from a medical condition, which means you can’t provide an adequate breath test, then you must tell the police immediately. In either of these cases you’ll be take to the police station for further testing and if the testing proves positive you’ll be charged.
What if it’s close to the limit?
Again, you’ll be taken to the police station for further tests. If the lower of the two breath readings at the station is 39 micrograms or below, then you should be released (although this may be with a caution). If it‘s between 40 and 50 micrograms, then you must be offered the option of providing an alternative specimen of either blood or urine and you should be asked which you’d prefer. The police can’t take a blood sample without your consent, but if this is the option offered and you refuse then the police can rely on the breath sample they have taken.
What if you’re charged?
The charge will be read out to you at the station and you’ll then be asked to sign and retain a copy of the Charge Sheet. You’re then usually released on bail and told to attend a court hearing on a specified date and time. As you’re likely still to be over the limit, you won’t usually be allowed to drive from the station. However, you are free to drive until the date of your hearing when any ban that may be imposed will come into immediate effect.
Points, Fines, Prison and Disqualifications
If found guilty of a drink or drug driving offence, the minimum you can expect is a £1000 fine and 4 penalty points on your license, which will of course affect your motorbike insurance premiums. The worst case scenario, for instance for driving with excess alcohol (DR10), would incur a fine of up to £5,000 and/or up to 6 months in prison, with a mandatory disqualification of at least 12 months for the first offence and 3 years for a second offence committed within 10 years.
Getting back on your bike
If you’re found guilty of a drink or drugs offence that involves a driving ban, then you’ll be keen to get back on the road as soon as you can. The good news is that if your ban is for more than 2 years, you can apply after the first 2 years to have the remaining period of disqualification removed. You will be required to appear in court in person and must satisfy the judge that: you’ve committed no further road traffic offences during the 2 year ban; and that there’s good reason for the return of your licence – for instance the chance of a new job. It’s worth noting that proof of successful alcohol abuse treatment may also help in getting the court rule in your favour.
Got drink or drug convictions and looking for value for money motorbike insurance?