Knowing your limits! How long should I wait to drive after having a drink?

Going out and having a drink or two with friends, family or for a special occasion is a great way to unwind and catch up with those you care about most, but how do you know if it is safe to drive home afterwards? It can be hard to determine as it can vary significantly from person to person however, here is some information to help you recognise whether you are safe to drive or you should be finding another way home.

What is considered drink driving?

The definition of "drink driving" is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) you have while behind the wheel and it varies depending on the type of licence the person holds. For example, the legal alcohol limit for a provisional driver is zero, whereas, for an open licence holder, it is below 0.5. You can also be charged with drink driving even if you weren't driving at the time.

Why counting drinks isn't a good idea

Back in the day, counting drinks was recommended if you were planning on heading out and having a few drinks. It suggests that 2 standard drinks in the first hour for men and one each hour after, and for females, it was one drink in the first hour and then 1 each hour thereafter. Although, there are many flaws to this method, making it an unreliable way to track whether you are over or under the legal limit. How so? Let us explain!

Here are some factors that can affect whether you are over the limit or not:

1. Whether the drinks you consumed were one standard drink or not

2. How much you've had to eat during the day

3. How old you are

4. Your metabolism

5. How much you weigh

6. Your general health and wellbeing

7. Your tolerance and how your body breaks down alcohol

How soon after your last drink should you wait before driving?

You should ensure you are only drinking standard servings first off, this is where many people who think they've done the right thing end up getting caught over the limit. As a general rule, you should only consume one standard drink per hour and wait at least an hour after your last drink before driving. This gives your body time to process the alcohol you've consumed. You can help this process by alternating water and your alcohol drinks.

How can I be sure that I'm under the limit?

There's no hard and fast rule to make sure you are certainly under the alcohol limit other than not drinking alcohol at all or arranging to make your way home with someone else or in a cab. You can use a breathalyser device, but these can sometimes throw off wrong readings, it might only be slightly, but that's all it takes to be over the limit. If you are worried you may blow slightly over, it's best to wait it out a little longer before driving just to be sure.

What will happen if I get caught drink driving?

The penalty varies from state to state however, at minimum, you will receive a period of disqualification and fine. If you have been pulled over and blown over the limit, you will normally be taken to the nearest police station. Once you get there, the police will ask you to do a second breath test at the station. This equipment is more advanced and provides more accurate readings. This reading will then be your official BAC. If you blow under the limit, you'll be free to leave, if you blow over, your licence will be suspended on the spot for the next 24 hours. You may be able to drive again after this and up until your court date. The police will advise you on whether you can or not. You'll be given a notice to appear in court.

When you go to court, the Magistrate will formally charge you and give you your penalty. If you need a work licence, you need to have the proper paperwork sorted out before your court date to be eligible. For any type of drink driving charge, it's always a good idea to seek legal advice. An experienced traffic lawyer can help you achieve the best outcome possible, so seek a Gold Coast Drink Driving Lawyer for your best chance at getting the best result!

Unfortunately, people read stuff online or hear recommendations from their friends and take this as gospel. To ensure you are driving safely and not over the limit, it's always smart to know your legal alcohol limit and to always make alternative arrangements if you want to have a few drinks. It's simply not worth the risk to save a few dollars on an uber or taxi. A drink driving charge is considered serious, and can have significant implications on many aspects of your life, including your employment now and into the future, whether you can travel to some countries, and not being able to drive for an extended period and the inconveniences that come with that.

If you have already been caught drink driving and you don't know where to turn, contact us here at Drink Driver Lawyer. We are expert traffic lawyers that specialise in this area of the law here in South East Queensland. We can help you to stay on the road. Get in touch today for an obligation-free consultation with one of our experienced senior lawyers.