Can I have open alcohol in my car?

IT'S a well known fact that drivers should never drink and get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol.

This is what can happen if you're caught with open alcohol in your car.

2

Can I have alcohol open in a car?

There's no law against having an open can or bottle of alcohol in the car.

However, the AA states it's not recommended to drive around with a back seat full of open booze.

If you were pulled over, it would look like you have been drink driving.

There you'll probably find yourself being breathalysed to ensure you haven't.

Read more on driving

Ell to pay

I'm a former England Wag - when I was dripping in diamonds I was miserable

VILE ABUSE

Lifeguard, 24, punched, bit and strangled cheating boyfriend in brutal attack

This would slow down your journey and waste police time.

Is it illegal for a passenger to drink alcohol?

It's not illegal for a passenger to drink alcohol in a car but that doesn't mean they should.

The passenger could create a distracting and environment for the driver and might not be able to support them if they need help.

If you're teaching a learner how to drive, then you have the same legal responsibilities as you would if you were driving yourself.

Most read in Motors

SHUTDOWN

String of major road closures to hit THIS WEEKEND - use our map to check routes

FROST OFF

You won’t need to de-ice car windows if you follow two-step parking method

SHUT UP SHOP

Major car dealership closes FIVE showrooms as business folds after 22 years

STARRY NIGHT

One-of-a-kind Rolls Royce with ‘twinkling sky’ illusion interior hits auction

This means you can't use your phone or be over the drink drive limit despite not driving yourself.

This is due to you being the only person in the car who has officially passed their driving test.

How many drinks can I have before driving?

There are strict alcohol limits for drivers across the UK and they're different in Scotland than England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

According to Drink Aware, these limits are based on the amount of alcohol detected in someone’s breath, blood or urine.

This means the amount you are legally allowed to drink before driving will therefore depend on a number of factors.

These include:

• Weight
• Metabolism
• Your biological sex
• What you've had to eat recently

2

Therefore, it's not possible to work out how many units of alcohol will push you over the limit.

If you don't drink very often, then it's best not to drink at all before driving as you may be more affected.

This is because people who rarely drink tend to get drunk easily, therefore it means you would create a danger for you and any passengers in the car.

If you know that you can be a lightweight, be responsible and don't drink

READ MORE SUN STORIES

TUNE IN

Freeview watchers warned of nine major changes coming to TVs across the UK TODAY

PAY OUT

Major update to car finance compensation scandal

Instead you could stick to alcohol free drinks so you know you won't be over the limit.

Or you and your friends could decide who is going to be the designated driver on the night so you know you are all going to be safe.

Most Common Illegal Driving Activities

Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.

• Using phone while driving
  Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
  New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it
• Speeding
  Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine
• Running a red light
  This offence will incur three points and £100 fine
• Middle lane hogging
  It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points
• Undertaking
  This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine