Drink driving arrest? The next 24 hours matter. If you’ve been stopped at a roadblock, arrested for DUI, or told you’re “over the limit”, get advice before you explain, argue, or sign anything.
Call us 24/7 for urgent help: contact details here.
If you’ve been arrested tonight: do this now
- Stay calm and polite. Don’t make the situation worse.
- Give your basic details only. Don’t “explain” the night.
- Do not consent to extra searches or statements without legal advice.
- Ask to phone your lawyer. Use that call properly.
- Write down what you remember as soon as you can (time, place, officers, what you were asked to do).
Drink driving / DUI in South Africa: the legal reality
DUI cases are technical. The outcome often turns on procedure, timing, and whether evidence was collected and handled properly.
Important: There is renewed public discussion about moving South Africa toward a “zero tolerance” alcohol limit. As of early 2026, government has communicated an intention to amend the law, but the current framework still applies until formally changed. (We monitor this closely.)
- Current limits (until changed by law): 0.05g/100ml blood for most drivers, with lower limits for professional drivers (and breath limits also apply).
We do not publish “one-size-fits-all” promises because every case depends on facts, evidence and prior history. But we can act fast and build a strategy that gives you the best shot at a clean future.
What happens after a roadblock arrest
- You may be taken to a police station and held while the process is completed.
- You may receive a court date (often with postponements).
- Bail depends on the charge circumstances, timing, and local process.
Read also: your rights at a roadblock and what bail is in South Africa.
How a drink driving lawyer helps (the part most people miss)
- We pressure-test the evidence: how the stop happened, what you were told, what was recorded, and whether procedure was followed.
- We guide your decisions early: what to say, what not to sign, and how to avoid self-inflicted damage.
- We plan the court outcome: withdrawal/reduction where possible, or the best mitigation strategy if not.
Common consequences (why you must treat this seriously)
- Criminal prosecution
- Potential fines and/or imprisonment depending on circumstances
- Licence consequences and driving record impact
- Professional fallout (employment, travel, background checks)
First-time offenders: your best chance is early action
If you’re a first-time offender, you may have options that reduce long-term damage — but delays and “DIY decisions” often remove those options. The earlier we get involved, the more we can protect.
FAQ
Be careful. Some “quick” routes can create long-term consequences. Get advice before you accept anything.
Sometimes. It depends on the charge, where you are held, and whether after-hours release is available in that scenario. Start here: after-hours bail FAQ.
Start here: what to do if you are arrested.
Get legal help now
If this is urgent, don’t wait for “Monday” to fix a problem that started tonight. Contact us now.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Your facts matter.