Penalties for driving under the influence in 2023
A new year and more changes for drivers. Many changes have come into effect this year, one of them being new penalties for drivers. Drinking and driving in 2023 could hit hard, resulting in the loss of your driving license and a visit to a sobering-up station. What awaits drivers who drive under the influence this year? We discuss this in the article below.
Why you shouldn’t drive under the influence of alcohol?
It goes without saying that driving under the influence of alcohol is irresponsible behavior. A driver who gets behind the wheel after consuming even the smallest amount of beer or wine poses a danger on the road—not only to themselves and their passengers, but also to other road users. Every time a driver consumes alcohol, they should use a breathalyzer to check their blood alcohol level.
Drunk driving can end very badly. The driver can damage their car, cause damage on the road, and even destroy other vehicles on the road. This results in significant property damage. Furthermore, there’s the risk of financial penalties and the loss of their driving license (temporarily or permanently). However, the worst thing about drunk driving is the loss of health and even life. A responsible driver doesn’t get behind the wheel after drinking, and if they have, they blow into a breathalyzer.
Rules for drivers on the road
Drivers on the road should adhere to traffic rules. This includes properly signaling other drivers, maneuvering, and adhering to speed limits. A driver who has consumed alcohol on the same or previous day should have their sobriety checked—a breathalyzer in the car will be useful here. The rate at which alcohol is digested varies and depends on individual body condition, weight, and activities. It is said that 0.1-0.15 per mille of alcohol is broken down within an hour. Three beers is more than 8 hours, which the body needs to digest and excrete alcohol. Every driver who has consumed alcohol on the same or previous day should ensure that they are “clean.” The best method is to avoid drinking alcohol if planning a trip the following day. Drivers should not only be sober but also rested before hitting the road.
New penalty system for drivers in 2023
In 2023, numerous laws and regulations came into force that changed the rules of drink-driving. The new penalty system aims to make drivers aware of the seriousness of alcohol-related problems, the danger they pose to others, and how to avoid them and maintain road safety. The high fines are expected to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, which in turn will also reduce the number of dangerous road accidents. Last year, the number of accidents caused by drunk drivers reached over 2,400. Experience shows that high fines have an impact on driving—and indeed, last year’s changes to the code led to a reduction in the number of accidents. This time, a new feature for drivers is the possibility of having their car confiscated if they are caught driving under the influence. This provision will apply if a breathalyzer test reveals a blood alcohol content of at least 1.5 per mille. If a driver causes an accident with at least 0.5 per mille of alcohol in their blood, or commits a crime, they will also face the loss of their car. The changes also affect the penalty system for causing a serious accident: the penalty will increase by four years, totaling 16 years in prison. If the car belongs to someone else or is co-owned by the perpetrator, the value of the vehicle will be forfeited. These changes are intended to improve road safety, and hopefully, they will.
How to avoid a drink driving conviction
The simplest way to prevent such large fines is to avoid driving under the influence. It’s a good idea to drink sensibly and pay attention to the digestion time of individual drinks. This will allow you to calculate the appropriate time before traveling. Furthermore, if you’re drinking alcohol or attending a heavy party, you should maintain a proper diet: eat foods that will help your body process the alcohol. Importantly, if you’re planning a party, it’s worth leaving your car in the parking lot and returning by public transport or taxi. Before every planned trip, you should also check whether there’s still alcohol in your breath. A handy breathalyzer , which you can keep in your car at all times and use as needed, is sufficient. Avoiding severe penalties for drunk driving is easy if you don’t drink. If you consume alcohol only on special occasions or regularly, you should always ensure that you won’t cause any danger on the road. Drivers should always keep safety in mind—not just your own.
