RAC analysis reveals scale of repeat drink-driving offences
RAC analysis has found that more than 2,500 drivers have been caught drink‑driving on at least three separate occasions in the last 11 years.
Its Freedom of Information request revealed that 2,553 drivers have accrued three or more endorsements for drink-driving since 2014.
Among the most persistent offenders, one motorist amassed 10 separate convictions, another had eight, and a further 13 drivers incurred six convictions for driving over the limit.
Overall, the DVLA data shows 220,638 motorists currently hold drink‑driving endorsements while 26,819 licence holders have been convicted more than once.
Alcohol interlocks
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis said: “These figures make it painfully clear that licence disqualification alone does little to prevent some convicted drink-drivers reoffending.
“The solution for repeat and high-risk drink-drivers who are highly likely to get behind the wheel again after drinking is something that physically prevents them doing so.
“Alcohol interlocks do just that as they are breathalyser devices fitted to a vehicle’s ignition system that prevent it being started if the driver has been drinking alcohol.
“We believe they could play a vital role in stopping persistent offenders putting lives at risk if they were part of mandatory court-ordered programme. Public support is already strong, with RAC data showing 82% of drivers back the introduction of alcolocks to prevent drink-driving.”
Campaign
To address the challenge, the Lock Out Drink‑Driving Campaign was launched in December 2025 to urge the government to bring forward a mandatory alcolock programme for repeat offenders.
A campaign spokesperson said: “To see more than 18,000 people convicted of multiple drink‑driving offences is completely unacceptable. It is clear that current measures are failing to break the cycle of reoffending.
“We welcome the government’s interest in alcolocks in the new Road Safety Strategy, but this data shows decisive action is needed now. A mandatory alcolock programme for high‑risk and repeat offenders would prevent further avoidable tragedies on our roads.”
