I Blew Over the Limit — But I Didn’t Feel Drunk. Can I Still Fight the Case?

Blew Over the Limit but Felt Sober? What Irish Law Really Looks At

Q: I blew over the limit but didn’t feel drunk — can I still fight the case?

A: Yes. Absolutely. In fact, that’s one of the most common things I hear.

Irish law doesn’t care how you felt.

It doesn’t care that you seemed fine, spoke clearly, walked straight, or drove perfectly.

It only cares about the number.

Once your breath, blood or urine sample shows a result over the legal limit (in blood, 50mg for most drivers, 20mg for learners or professional drivers) the case moves forward.

It may be a fixed charge notice if you're reading is low, but in most cases it's a court appearance.

"Mistakes happen. Organisations are not perfect.

They're made up of humans like you and me.

They're fallible. They makes mistakes.

You make mistakes too don't you?"

But here’s the part nobody tells you: Even when the number is over, the State still has to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

And that includes proving that:

• The sample was taken lawfully

• The observation period was properly done

• You were cautioned correctly and at the correct time

• Paperwork is correct

• And the chain of evidence is intact

If even one of those links breaks, the entire case can collapse.

So yes — blowing over is serious.

But it’s not the end. Not even close.

In my experience, the most winnable cases aren’t the ones where someone felt sober. They’re the ones where the Garda or the system made a mistake.

Mistakes happen.

Organisations are not perfect.

They're made up of humans like you and me.

They're fallible. They makes mistakes.

You make mistakes too don't you?

Because that’s what the judge actually rules on — not your self-assessment, but the State’s legal proofs.

Feeling fine might help your sentence if you plead guilty.

It's over and done with quick.

"After all, it’s the choice between going off the road…

or driving home.

And everybody wants to drive home"

But you're off the road.

Are you happy with that?

The better move?

Don’t plead yet.

Let a specialist check the file first.

Because if you’re convicted, the ban is automatic.

After all, it’s the choice between going off the road… or driving home.

And everybody wants to drive home.