UK drivers are being warned they could face £2500 fine after boozy Christmas (Image: Getty)
up and down the country are being warned that they could face a £2500 fine and ban if they are caught “standing next to their car” after a boozy night.
are being alerted to little-known in England that could result in severe consequences, including hefty fines, driving bans and even prison sentences.
Under English law, simply being near your car while intoxicated could result in a fine of up to £2,500, if police believe you had the intention to drive.
Simply being near your car while intoxicated could result in a fine of up to £2,500 (Image: Getty)
experts caution against bringing car keys if drinking is on the agenda: “Many people don’t realise that drink-driving laws in England go beyond just being behind the wheel.
“You can be charged with being ‘in control’ of a vehicle even if you’re simply standing near it while intoxicated. If the police believe you had the intention to drive – whether that’s by being close to the car, sitting inside it, or even having the keys in the ignition – you could face serious consequences.
“These include a fine of up to £2,500, three months in prison, or a driving ban. The legal definition of drink-driving is broader than most people think, especially during the festive season when incidents tend to rise.”
To avoid such risks there are an array of small steps you can take to save yourself from landing in hot water.
Leaving your car keys safely at home is an easy way to avoid landing in hot water (Image: Getty)
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These include arranging for alternative transport – whether that’s a taxi, public transport, or a designated driver and even leaving your car keys safely at home.
A spokesperson for Swansway Motor Group said: “The legal drink-drive limit can be confusing because it depends on various factors, including your weight, gender and how quickly your body processes alcohol. For some, even a single drink could put them over the limit.
“Additionally, the effects of alcohol linger longer than most people expect – a bottle of wine could mean you’re unsafe to drive until lunchtime the following day. The safest approach is to avoid alcohol altogether if you plan to drive or allow plenty of time the next day to make sure it’s fully out of your system.”