“Zero tolerance for drinking and driving” - SAPS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) combined with other state and provincial authorities are committed to reducing drinking and driving, particularly over festive periods such as the Christmas holidays. The police said they will not tolerate this crime and warn motorists not to take any chances.

What is the alcohol limit?

A person who is driving a vehicle’ blood may not have an alcohol content of more than 0.05%. This means that even after what is considered as a "small drink", could still register as over the limit. A person who has more than 350ml of beer, or a person having more than a single tot of brandy or other spirit, may already be over the limit. The SAPS furthermore reminds motorists that these levels of alcohol will remain in a person’s system for up to eight hours after consumption.

“Do not take chances - rather stay where you are until you have sobered up, or arrange for alternative transport home from wherever you plan to drink, and make such plans in advance to ensure that you are not left stranded,” advises the police.

The consequences for offenders

Members of the South African Police Service, the various Metropolitan Police Departments and other law-enforcement agencies are more frequently conducting road blocks and manning other checkpoints to discourage people from drinking and driving. Should a person be stopped at such a roadblock, and if it is determined that the person driving the vehicle have consumed more than the legal limit of alcohol, such person will be arrested and charged with driving under the Influence of liquor.
The person will be held in custody until he or she is able to post bail (in certain instances bail may be denied). Depending on prior convictions against such a person, as well as the circumstances surrounding his or her arrest, he or she faces a minimum fine of R2 000 or a two-year prison sentence, or both. Offenders may also lose his or her driver's license, or have it suspended and such a person will have a criminal record against his or her name.