Experts have given four top tips for motorists heading out this Christmas, as Brits are warned over some more obscure driving rules that could catch you out.
Under English law, you can be fined if you're found to be "in charge" of a car while drunk - without even getting behind the wheel.
Car and van leasing company Vanarama says that simply standing next to your vehicle while under the influence of alcohol could land you with a £2,500 fine and even three months imprisonment.
Other indications that could lead to you being charged with drink driving are; being inside your car but not in the driving seat, having the keys in the ignition and having a reason to drive, such as needing to be at work or having a booked appointment.
The CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) explains: "A person remains in charge of their vehicle until they have transferred control to another, for example by handing over the key or have gone some distance from the car, in such circumstances that they had no intention of re-asserting control of the vehicle."
Drinkaware, an alcohol education charity, has now shared advice on how to get home safely over the festive period.
It recommends picking a designated driver to stay alcohol-free in your group of friends or work colleagues, adding: "If you have lots of fun events coming up with the same group, you could take it in turns."
If you are driving, it's a good opportunity to try what alcohol-free options are available from alcohol-free beers to mocktails.
And in the instance where there will not be a designated driver, make sure to check train and bus schedules ahead of time as strikes and holiday timetables will differ from the rest of the year.
It is also possible to book an Uber or taxi ahead of time so you can go out without the stress of trying to find your way home.
And this may seem obvious, but another tip from Drinkaware is to make sure your phone is fully charged before going out. This is to ensure you are able to contact anyone and you are able to make last-minute changes to the plan if needed.
Also, it will help with organising rides home, checking schedules and being able to call someone if you need help.
It's not just the night out that you need to be careful with, it's also the morning after.
Drinkaware's site reads: "If you’ve had a few drinks the previous night, don’t forget that alcohol can continue to affect you the morning after you’ve been drinking too, so you may well still be over the drink-drive limit.
"It usually takes an average of about an hour for your body to clear one unit of alcohol once it’s been fully absorbed. But this can vary and there’s no way of telling for sure.
"Even if you feel fine, you could still be over the limit. The safest and best advice is to avoid alcohol completely the night before you have to drive."
