DR10 vs DR20

Convicted Driver Insurance

firemansam007

Well Known Member
Hi,
Can someone explain the difference between DR10 and DR20.

DR 10 Driving or attempting to drive with alcohol level above limit
DR 20 Driving or attempting to drive while unfit through drink

Also which one is more serious offence DR10 or Dr30 (Fail to provide specimen)

Any response is appreciated.

Thanks,

Sam
 
Dr10 is where there is a reading which proves you were over the legal limit
Dr20 is where there is evidence of impairment to prove the case, but no actual reading to back it up.

Dr30 is just as serious, but I think that insurance companies take a dimmer view of Dr30 than Dr10 because for the second one they have a reading and can assess the risk that the person posed. For the first one the person had not only been drinking (and an unknown amount) but refused to co-operate with a legal requirement.
 
DR20 is more there for technical reasons. Most of the time a suspected DD will be breathalysed at the side of the road and, if over the limit, be arrested for that.

However, if they don't have a breathalyser, it doesn't work, they think it is faulty, etc they can't arrest you for being over the prescribed limit. However, they can arrest you on suspicion of being unfit to drive, take you back to the station, get a reading, then charge you with being over the limit.

They can of course charge under S4 unfit to drive however it is less favourable to the prosecution because they have to prove both that you consumed alcohol, and that your driving was impaired. They can do that via various means, normally by observing your driving and/or a medical expert. However, it is much more onerous than a number on a piece of paper.
 
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