Alarming new figures obtained from the DVLA have exposed Britain’s most extreme drink-driving offenders, with one motorist recording an extraordinary blood alcohol level that experts warn could have been fatal.
The worst offender, a 39-year-old man, stopped in July 2024, registered 513mg/dL – six-and-a-half times the legal limit of 80mg/dL in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
This staggering reading represents the highest level recorded for any convicted drink driver in the past decade, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
The figures reveal a disturbing pattern, with four of the five highest blood alcohol readings occurring within the past three years, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of drink-driving prevention campaigns.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk
One driver had so much alcohol in his system, he could have ended up in a coma
GETTY
Medical experts have warned that the 513mg/dL reading is at a level considered “potentially fatal”.
According to research from Kansas State University, blood alcohol concentrations exceeding 400mg/dL can “depress respiration to the point where it’s not sufficient to sustain life”.
Readings above 450mg/dL are “often associated with coma and death”, the experts noted. To reach such dangerous levels, it’s estimated that a 13-stone male would need to consume approximately 22 alcoholic drinks.
The second-highest reading came just one month earlier in June 2024, when a 62-year-old man recorded 471mg/dL. Third place went to a 37-year-old male who registered 460mg/dL in August 2022.
Drivers face serious consequences when drink and drug driving PAAmong female offenders, the highest reading was 400mg/dL, recorded by a 51-year-old woman in October 2017.
Of the top 20 highest readings over the past decade, nine individuals were in their 30s when caught, whilst six were in their 40s, two in their 50s and three in their 60s.
Graham Conway from Select Car Leasing, who obtained the figures, said: “Rather worryingly, the stats show that four of the top five highest readings were recorded within the past three years.
“This indicates the well-established message that drink-driving is both dangerous and socially unacceptable has simply not landed with some people.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Conway expressed disbelief at the extreme nature of these readings, adding: “These numbers are simply incredible – in the worst way possible.
“Drinking any amount of alcohol before driving is strongly advised against, and for good reason.
“But to drink so much that your level is considered life-threatening, before then getting behind the wheel, is simply beyond comprehension.”
He emphasised that the statistics don’t reflect minor infractions, with Conway noting that this is “consuming well into double figures”.
The findings suggest that despite decades of public safety campaigns and severe legal consequences, a small but dangerous minority continue to take extraordinary risks with their own lives and those of other road users.
Those caught over the limit face an unlimited fine, automatic driving ban of at least 12 months and up to six months’ imprisonment. Causing death by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in life imprisonment.
Research by road safety charity Brake! demonstrates the heightened risks – drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash with 50-80mg alcohol per 100ml blood compared to zero alcohol.
Conway advised: “Obviously, the best approach is not to drink any alcohol if you’re going to drive your car.
“It’s also important to bust the myth that drinking a coffee or having a shower will sober you up quickly enough to drive safely. It can take hours and even days for alcohol to leave your system.”
