Ollie'sPolice Handbook
All disposals
Road Traffic· RTA 1988

Section 4 — Driving / in charge when unfit through drink or drugs

Driving, attempting to drive, or being in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place when unfit to drive through drink or drugs (i.e. ability impaired).

legislation.gov.uk College APP Open Act page

Penalty reference

Mode of trial
Summary
Maximum penalty
Driving/attempting: 6 months / unlimited fine + MANDATORY 12-month disqualification. In charge: 3 months / level 4 fine + discretionary disq.
Endorsement
10 points (in charge) / mandatory disqualification (driving)
Out-of-court eligibility
✕ CR
✕ Caution
✕ Cond. Caution

Note: Always charge — no caution route for impaired driving.

Triage the circumstances

Quick answers — the engine applies the College/CPS hard rules.

Need a refresher on the terms? See the Glossary.