Drink-Driving Can Change Your Life Forever, Officials Warn

Islanders are being urged to think twice before drinking and driving as Jersey’s annual festive road safety campaign gets underway.

Starting this weekend, Honorary and States of Jersey Police will carry out checks across the island throughout December, at all hours, to ensure drivers are complying with the law.

 “Get Home Safe.”

With the holiday season in full swing, authorities are stressing the simple message: “Get Home Safe.”

St Helier’s Honorary Police reinforced the warning, advising residents not to take the risk of driving after drinking, noting that the consequences can be “life-changing.” Party-goers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, whether that means taking a taxi, using public transport, getting a lift from a friend, or arranging an overnight stay.

Police outlined the serious penalties for those caught driving over the legal limit, including a criminal record, up to 12 months in prison, fines of up to £10,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban, and a mandatory retest before regaining a licence.

Recent cases underline the dangers: in one instance, a local driver crashed and then fled the scene while more than twice the legal limit, receiving a seven-month prison sentence and a 30-month driving disqualification. Another driver, over the limit, caused a collision, fled the scene, and was later handed 312 hours of community service and a two-and-a-half-year driving ban.

Police said these examples show how quickly a single poor decision can lead to severe consequences, including job loss, imprisonment, and putting lives at risk.