Drink & Drug Driving Offences Explained

When it comes to driving convictions and endorsement codes, it can be hard to understand exactly what they mean, so we’re going to explain everything from the penalty points to fines.

What Do DR20 & DR80 Mean?

There are two codes which apply to the different aspects of the offence of ‘driving, or attempting to drive while unfit through drink or drugs’. The DR20 code applies to alcohol and the DR80 is for drugs. If you are prosecuted for this offence you could face a prison sentence of up to six months, with a maximum fine of £5,000. You will also face an obligatory minimum 12 month ban, or 3 to 11 penalty points added on to your licence.

What Is A DR10?

A DR10 code is issued for ‘Driving or attempting to drive with excess alcohol in your system’ and is similar to the offence above, but this one is more concerned with being over the legal limit whilst driving. However, this offence can be treated just the same and holds the same maximum penalties as a DR20 offence does.

What Do CD40, CD50, CD60, And CD70 Mean?

These driving offences all relate to the very serious offence of ‘Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs’. CD40 relates to ‘drink’, CD50 to ‘drugs’, and CD60 to ‘excess alcohol’. If you are convicted of this offence, you could face up to 14 years in prison, with an obligatory two year ban and an unlimited fine. If you’re not disqualified from driving due to special circumstance you will have 3 to 11 points endorsed. CD70 is for ‘Causing death by careless driving and then failing to supply specimen for analysis’ and carries the exact same punishment as CD40, CD50 and CD60.

What Do DR50 & DR90 Mean?

This offence also has two codes, one for each type of substance that has made the driver unfit to drive. DR50 concerns ‘drink’ and DR90 is ‘drugs’. The 'being in charge while unfit through drink or drugs' offence translates to sitting in the vehicle with the keys, or with them in the ignition, even if you have no intention of operating the vehicle. Due to this, the maximum penalties are reduced to three months in prison and a £2,500 fine, and a ban is discretionary but 10 points will be added to the offender’s licence if a ban isn’t given.

What Is DR40?

Simply being convicted of the driving offence ‘In charge with excess alcohol’ means the same penalties could apply as a DR50.

What Is DR70?

If you receive a DR70 then will you be guilty of 'failing to provide or refuse a breath test' and you don’t have a reasonable excuse, you will be found guilty of 'failing to co-operate with a preliminary roadside breath test'. This has maximum penalties of a £1,000 fine, with a discretionary ban or four points on your licence.

What Do DR60 & DR30 Mean?

Under the ‘Failing to provide a specimen for analysis offence', you could be charged under different endorsement codes depending on the type of offence. If you were in charge of the vehicle it would be a DR60, however if you were ‘Driving or attempting to drive’, it would fall under the DR30 code. If convicted under the DR30 code you could face up to six months imprisonment, a £5,000 fine with a minimum 12 month driving ban and/or points added to the licence. The DR60 code is less severe with a maximum £2,500 fine and a three month prison sentence. Unlike the DR60, you may not be banned from driving, but will definitely be given 10 penalty points. A specimen is defined as blood, urine or a breath sample.

What Do DR31 & DR61 Mean?

Similar to the DR60 & DR30 endorsement codes, this specifically tackles the 'failing to allow a specimen to be subject to a laboratory test' offence. If a specimen of blood was taken whilst you were incapable of consenting and you do not give permission for it to be tested, it could fall under the DR31 or DR61 endorsement code. DR31 is if you were ‘driving’, or ‘attempting to drive’, and can carry a six month prison sentence, a maximum fine of £5,000 with a minimum penalty of 12 month driving ban, and/or 3 to 11 penalty points. DR61 concerns 'being in charge of a vehicle', and carries maximum penalties of a three month prison sentence and a fine of up to £3,000 with a minimum punishment of 10 penalty points.

Convicted Driver Insurance

If you have been convicted of any of these offences and have been successfully rehabilitated, but are struggling to find reasonable car insurance, then get in touch with Think Insurance. Our team of Convicted Driver Insurance experts can help you find a policy you’re happy with. Click Get a Quote below or call on 0800 221 8077.