Drink driving convictions result in a mandatory, consequential disqualification from driving.
The Court does not have any discretion into disqualification but may in addition impose a fine and/or imprisonment and a contribution towards the costs of the Bureau which provides analysis of samples and specimens of drivers who have been bagged or otherwise tested.
(This is part of the Road traffic offences series of articles on this site).
The length of disqualification will depend on whether it is the driver’s first offence or not and the level of alcohol in the breath, blood or urine sample.
Here are the disqualification periods for the various levels of blood, breath and urine tests of alcohol:
Disqualification periods for drink driving in Ireland
Blood alcohol level
81-100 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood leads to disqualification period of 1 year for a first offence and 2 years for a second offence.
101-150 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood leads to disqualification period of 2 years for a first offence and 4 years for a second.
Greater than 150 mg alcohol per 100 ml of blood gives rise to 3 years for a first offence and 6 years for a second.
Breath alcohol level
36-44 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath leads to disqualification of 1 year for a first offence and 2 years for a second;
45-66 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath leads to disqualification of 2 years for a firts offence and 4 years for a second;
Greater than 66 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of breath leads to disqualification of 3 years for a first time conviction and 6 years for a second
Urine alcohol level
108-135 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine leads to disqualification of 1 year for a first offence and 2 years for a second;
136-200 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine leads to disqualification of 2 years for a 1st offence and 4 years for a second;
Greater than 200 mcg of alcohol per 100 ml of urine leads to disqualification for 3 years and 6 years for second and subsequent convictions.
Any disqualification and penalty comes into effect 14 days from the date of conviction. If you appeal the conviction then it will be adjourned until your appeal is heard and you can continue to drive.
However if you lose your appeal you may receive a tougher sentence.
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