Overview
- The proposal would lower the legal breath-alcohol limit in England and Wales from 35µg to 22µg per 100 ml, matching Scotland and most of Europe.
- It forms part of a broader road-safety package that includes using roadside saliva tests as evidence in drug-driving cases and mandatory vision screenings for drivers over 70.
- Ministers must secure parliamentary approval and conduct a public consultation before the new drink-drive limit and related measures can take effect.
- Experts caution that individual differences in alcohol metabolism mean even one drink could put some motorists above the proposed threshold.
- Research from insurers shows that about 80 percent of adults cannot correctly state current drink-drive limits, raising fears of unintended penalties and insurance impacts.