What are the Penalties for Drink Driving in Ireland?

Wondering about the consequences of drink driving? You're not alone. This is the most popular question about road traffic law in Ireland.

Here's what you need to know.

"In the end, you have to ask yourself one question:

do I want to lose my licence or keep driving?"

How Much Is Too Much?

In Ireland, the legal blood alcohol limits are:

• Regular drivers: 50mg per 100ml of blood.

• Professional, learner, and novice drivers: 20mg per 100ml.

For many people, just one drink could put you over the limit, especially if you have a lower body weight or haven't eaten.

Trying to estimate how much alcohol you can safely drink before you drive later is a virtually impossible exercise: all of us process alcohol differently.

First-Time Offence Penalties

If it's your first offence, here's what you're facing:

With a BAC between 50mg and 80mg:

• €200 fine

• 3-month driving ban

With a BAC between 80mg and 100mg:

• €400 fine

• 6-month driving ban

With a BAC over 100mg:

• You'll have to appear in court

• At least 1-year driving ban (2 years for professional, learner, or novice drivers)

• Fines up to €5,000

• Possible prison time up to 6 months

Repeat Offenders Face Harsher Penalties

If you've been convicted of drink driving in the last 10 years:

• At least 4-year driving ban

• Fines up to €5,000

• Potential jail time up to 6 months

• Much higher insurance premiums

Third-time offenders or those involved in accidents may face even longer bans.

They’re also at high risk of jail.

Refusing a Breath Test Is Even Worse

If you refuse to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample when required by Gardaí:

• 4-year driving ban (first offence)

• 6-year driving ban (repeat offence)

• Fines up to €5,000

• Possible prison time up to 6 months

The Hidden Impacts

Drink driving affects more than just your license:

• Insurance premiums can double or triple

• You could lose your job if you drive for work

• You'll have a criminal record that may affect international travel

• Adverse media publicity.

"Drink driving cases are very technical,

and certain key facts must be proven by the State.

If the prosecution fails to prove these facts,

the case may be dismissed—

even if the driver was well over the legal limit"

Can You Fight a Drink Driving Charge?

Many assume there's no defence, but that's rarely true. Common defences include:

• Problems with testing procedures

• Improper application of the law before or during the arrest.

• Drink driving cases are very technical, and certain key facts must be proven by the State. If the prosecution fails to prove these facts, the case may be dismissed—even if the driver was well over the legal limit.

If you've been charged, it's important to speak with a specialist road traffic lawyer right away.

In the end, you have to ask yourself one question: do I want to lose my licence or keep driving?