West Midlands Police has issued a stark and unambiguous warning to motorists as part of its ongoing crackdown on drink and drug driving. The force has emphasised that driving under the influence remains a core policing priority, stating clearly: 'if you’re over the limit, you will be arrested. No excuses.'
No Safe Amount: The Unpredictable Nature of Alcohol
The police have moved to dispel a common myth, explaining that there is absolutely no reliable way to calculate how much you can drink and remain under the legal limit. An individual's tolerance is affected by a complex mix of factors including weight, age, metabolism, and even how much food they have eaten.
Officers also highlighted the significant 'morning after' risk. Alcohol can remain in your system long after you stop drinking, meaning you could still be over the limit and face losing your licence if you drive the next day.
The most grave consequence of driving impaired is the drastically increased risk of causing a serious or fatal collision, putting the driver, their passengers, and all other road users in extreme danger.
When Police Can Stop You and The Testing Process
Police have the authority to stop any vehicle and request a roadside breath test if they have reasonable suspicion. This includes if they believe you have been drinking, if you have committed a traffic offence, or if you have been involved in a road traffic collision.
The breathalyser provides an immediate result. If you pass, you will likely be allowed to proceed. However, failing the test leads to arrest and a subsequent evidential test at a police station. A positive result there leads to being charged.
Refusing to provide a breath sample without a 'reasonable excuse' – such as a verifiable medical condition – is itself an offence and will result in arrest. In such cases, a blood test may be required.
Severe Penalties and How The Public Can Help
The law treats drug driving with equal severity. Officers can now test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, with further screening for substances like ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, and heroin available at the station.
The penalties for being caught driving over the limit or while impaired by drugs are severe and life-changing. They can include:
- A criminal record.
- Up to six months in prison.
- An unlimited fine.
- An automatic driving ban for at least one year (extending to three years for a second conviction within ten years).
West Midlands Police is urging the public to assist in keeping roads safe. You can report dangerous driving and submit dashcam or other footage via their dedicated Operation Snap portal online.
If you know someone who has been drinking or taking drugs and intends to drive, the advice is to intervene safely. Calmly offer to book them a taxi or take their keys to prevent them from driving. If they refuse to listen, do not hesitate to call 999 and report the imminent danger to police.
For more information on road safety and the law, visit the West Midlands Police road safety pages.
