Motorists have been warned that they do not need to get into their car to face drink driving charges (Image: Getty)
Drivers have been warned that they do not need to take to the roads to when under the influence this .
With many Brits set to see family members and friends at Christmas parties during the festive season, it is all too tempting for some to .
However, whilst can result in penalties such as an unlimited fine and prison time, Ollie Green from warned that motorists who are over the limit could face consequences for just standing by their vehicle.
He advised: “Standing next to your car whilst could result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three months in prison for doing the act.
“You can be prosecuted for drunk driving under English law even if you aren’t behind the wheel. You could also face charges for driving while intoxicated if there is proof that you intended to operate a vehicle, and this includes just standing next to your vehicle.”
:
Drivers who stand beside a vehicle whilst over the limit can face fines of up to £2,500 (Image: Getty)
Whilst it may sound severe, motorists who are over the limit can break the law by simply standing next to their vehicle under drink driving charges.
Drivers standing beside their car could be accused of being ‘in charge of a motor vehicle’ as they risk being tempted to travel home.
Those accused of the offence may not face penalties as high as drink drivers, but a fine of up to £2,500 and three months in prison is not a present anybody would want this Christmas.
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
Motorists who fall asleep inside their car whilst drunk can also receive the same penalties (Image: Getty)
Ollie also highlighted that the same rule applies to motorists thinking about sleeping in their car whilst drunk.
He added: “Sleeping in your car while under the influence of drink or drugs could see you fined £2,500 if the police find you and charge you for being drunk in charge of a motor vehicle in a public place.
“According to the Road Traffic Act 1988, it states that a motorist can be found guilty if they are ‘in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in his breath, blood or urine exceeds the prescribed limit’.”
Christmas is often seen as one of the worst times for drink driving offences with the UK, with too many drivers thinking that they will get away with short journeys after a few drinks.
According to the health and safety organisation Jigsy, alcohol consumption rises by a staggering 40 percent over December, with nearly eight percent more drivers arrested for straying over the limit during the month.
In addition to facing serious legal penalties, drink drivers often take much longer to react to sudden scenarios on the road and have worse judgement of space and perspective, meaning they are much more likely to get into a serious accident with other road users.