Know the legal limit before you drink too much this festive season

There is nothing wrong with enjoying a drink this festive season, but how much is too much?

The SAPS, combined with other state and provincial authorities, are committed to reducing alcohol-related crimes this festive season and are encouraging the community to be responsible while they’re out on the town.

What is the legal limit?

Your blood may not have an alcohol content of more than 0.05 per cent.

This means that if you have more than a 350ml beer, or a single tot of brandy or other spirits, you’ll be over the limit, while the alcohol remains in your system for up to eight hours after consumption.

The SAPS encourages the community to either stay where they are until they’ve sobered up, or arrange for an alternative form of transport home.

What will happen if you’re caught over the limit?

Community members caught driving over the legal limit will be arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The SAPS can then hold the person in custody until bail is paid (in certain instances bail may be denied).

Depending on prior convictions against you, as well as the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you face a minimum fine of R2 000 or a two-year prison sentence, or both, according to the SAPS.

Charges may also see a person losing their driver’s licence, or having it suspended.