A drink driving charge in Ireland means automatic disqualification — even for a first offence. It also means a court appearance, a potential criminal record, and consequences that affect your insurance for years. What happens next depends heavily on your reading and how well you are represented.
Ronan passed the roadside breathalyser but was brought to the Garda station for an evidential breath test. His reading came back at 46mg per 100ml of breath — just above the legal limit of 22mg. He was charged, given a court date, and told he faced losing his licence. He drove for work and a disqualification would have cost him his job.
Under the Road Traffic Act, it is an offence to drive or attempt to drive while over the legal alcohol limit. The legal limit in Ireland is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 67mg per 100ml of urine, or 22mcg per 100ml of breath. For learner drivers and professional drivers, the limit is lower at 20mg per 100ml of blood.
Conviction results in mandatory disqualification: a minimum of 1 year for a first offence at lower levels, up to 2–4 years for higher readings or repeat offences. Fines of up to €5,000 apply. Imprisonment is possible for high readings or repeat offences. All convictions are criminal matters recorded on your Garda record.
A conviction for this offence goes on your Garda record and may affect employment, insurance, and travel for years. Getting legal advice early — before your court date — gives you the best chance of the best possible outcome.
Ronan's solicitor examined the procedures used during the breath test at the station. A technical argument was raised about the administration of the test. The prosecution was unable to fully satisfy the court on the procedural point. The charge was struck out. Ronan kept his licence and his job.
✓ Charge struck out — licence retainedNo obligation. Matched to a specialist solicitor within 24 hours.
Tell Us What Happened