Legal Limit
The legal limit for drinking and driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (80mg/100ml). This is equivalent to 35 micrograms in 100 millilitres of breath.
BUT this can't be converted into a certain number of drinks because it's different for each person. Factors to take into account include the size and strength of the drink, your tolerance, weight, gender, whether you've eaten, whether you're on medication...You can't judge whether you're over or under the legal limit without a breathalyzer or blood test, so the safest thing to do is avoid alcohol altogether before driving.
Alcohol affects co-ordination, reaction times, and increases risk taking. Even very small amounts of can affect your ability to drive safely. Don't risk it.
The Next Morning
Remember, you could still be over the limit the next morning - it takes the liver approx 1 hour to process 1 unit of alcohol.
Legal consequences
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs could mean up to 10 years in prison, an unlimited fine and automatic disqualification from driving. (Road Traffic Act 1991)
Being caught driving over the legal limit or failing to provide a specimen when required carries penalties of automatic disqualification, a large fine, and the possibility of a prison sentence.
