Warning for motorists – you could face drink driving penalty even if you’re not behind the wheel
DRIVERS who sleep in their car after a night out could be fined up to £2,500 under this little-known rule.
If you're caught sleeping in your car after a few drinks you can still be prosecuted for being "in control" of a vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit.
And the penalty can be a £2,500 fine, ten points on your licence or even imprisonment.
However, it's legal to sleep in your car when you aren't drunk or under the influence of drugs as long as you are safely parked and not in violation of any parking restrictions.
The rules are in place to prevent someone from inadvertently driving whilst under the influence when they wake up thinking they are sober.
A recent campaign was set up to try and limit the damage that drink driving is causing on UK roads.
READ MORE ON PARKING FINES
Designed by THINK!, it aims to discourage the main group of drunk drivers - young men.
Liz Brooker MBE, Chair of Road Safety Great Britain, said: "Road Safety Great Britain fully supports the THINK! Pint Block campaign.
"Someone who gets in their car after drinking is a risk to themselves and all others on the road, including their friends.
"This campaign highlights the role everyone has to play in reducing the number of people who drive, using the power of friendship to encourage safer driving and the need to protect those we care about."
