Newly released data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows that hundreds of UK drivers have been caught driving over the alcohol limit multiple times, with some facing convictions as many as seven times. The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association, reveal that 27,837 drivers were convicted more than once between July 2013 and July 2024. Astonishingly, 372 of these individuals were caught at least four times, highlighting serious concerns over repeat offending.
The data records DR10 endorsements—penalties handed to motorists found driving or attempting to drive while over the legal alcohol limit—which stay on driving licenses for 11 years. The shocking scale of reoffending has led road safety advocates to call for stricter measures, including the introduction of breathalyser devices in cars for repeat offenders.
Several European countries, including France, Italy, and Belgium, already use alcolocks—devices that require drivers to pass a breath test before their vehicle will start. Road safety groups are now pushing for the UK to follow suit, arguing it could help prevent drink-driving reoffenders.
Rod Dennis, road safety spokesman for the RAC, commented on the data. “It’s chilling to see a proportion of the driving public remain intent on taking charge of a car while intoxicated, even after they’ve already been caught by the police on at least one occasion.” He added that the current rate of drink-driving-related fatalities is comparable to the levels seen in the late 1980s, making a strong case for the mandatory use of alcolocks for convicted drink drivers.
William Porter, policy and communications manager at IAM RoadSmart, supported this sentiment. “The sheer scale of reoffending is deeply troubling and demonstrates the need to re-evaluate our approach to reducing drink-driving.” Porter suggested that expanding drink-drive rehabilitation courses and mandating alcolocks for repeat offenders could be key steps in curbing the problem.
Department for Transport (DfT) statistics reveal that an estimated 300 people lost their lives in 2022 in accidents involving at least one drink-driver, marking the highest death toll since 2009. This represents a rise from 260 fatalities in 2021.
The UK’s drink-driving limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood—currently in place across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—is the highest in Europe, with most other countries enforcing a 50mg/100ml limit. Scotland lowered its legal limit to 50mg/100ml in 2014.
In response to the growing concern, a spokesperson for the DfT said, “The safety of our roads is an absolute priority for this government. That’s why we have committed to delivering a new road safety strategy—the first in over a decade. We will set out next steps on this in due course.”
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