The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

More than half of South Africa’s road accidents are caused by drunk driving. Pineapple shares safety tips, must-know legal consequences, and insurance claims.

It’s a gross understatement to say South Africans love a good time. 

We might be the only country that sees December as a lifestyle, not a month. And more than a fair share of us indulge in a sip or two at a braai, at that awkward but mandatory work function or a night out with friends. 

No judgment here. 

But, Pineapple’s compliance officer asked us to let you know we don’t support, promote or endorse driving after alcohol consumption! 

Here’s why drinking and driving in South Africa is always a bad idea.

TL;DR – Our version of “I’m not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”

• Around 58% of road accidents in South Africa are caused by drunk driving.
• Driving drunk usually means experiencing blurred vision, impaired depth perception, and reduced peripheral vision.
• The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol in South Africa include fines up to R150,000, prison time, or a suspended driver’s license.
• If you have a drunk driving conviction, your insurance could be rejected, or your premiums may be higher than usual.
• A DUI conviction can also restrict international travel plans. Some countries may deny entry to anyone with a criminal record.

The Dangers of Driving Under the Influence in South Africa

If you’ve ever indulged, you know the effects of alcohol. One minute you’re quiet in a corner, and the next, your inhibitions are gone and you’re dancing on a table.

But, what happens when the life of the party decides to get behind the wheel while intoxicated? Nothing good.

Driving requires sharp coordination between your eyes, hands, and feet. Liquor undermines your driving ability by reducing your brain’s ability to process information quickly. Tasks such as steering, braking, and signalling become far more hazardous when performed under the influence.

Driving drunk usually also means suffering from blurred vision, impaired depth perception, and reduced peripheral vision. 

All of which increases the likelihood of an accident.

Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving in South Africa

Around 58% of road accidents in South Africa are caused by drunk driving. Worse still, death may not even be the worst consequence of driving while intoxicated!

Drunk driving is a serious offence governed by the National Traffic Act 93 of 1996. Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act states that the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for non-professional drivers is 0.05 grams per 100 millilitres. 

The limit for professionals—drivers, not drinkers (think bus and taxi drivers, delivery men, etc.)—is 0.02 grams per 100 millilitres. Breath alcohol limits are 0.24 milligrams per 1,000 millilitres for non-professional motorists and 0.10 milligrams for professional motorists. 

Anything above that is classified as intoxication.

What Are the Legal Penalties for Drunk Driving in South Africa?

The consequences* of driving under the influence include fines, prison time, and a suspended driver’s license.

*Disclaimer: This information is valid as of October 2025. Pineapple cannot guarantee its ongoing validity or accuracy. Pineapple is also not liable for any errors or consequences.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and provincial traffic authorities are extra alert during high-risk periods like the weekend or festive holidays. 

SA’s law enforcement conducts regular roadblocks and uses breathalyser tests to ensure Mzansi’s motorists stay sober. Refusing a breath or blood test is an offence and can lead to imprisonment. 

Other consequences of drunk driving include:

• A court-mandated fine based on the offence’s severity and the driver’s financial situation. Fines can range from a few thousand Rands to the maximum amount of R150,000.
• Jail time may be on the cards, especially for repeat offenders or incidents involving injury or death. Drunk drivers can also face imprisonment of up to 6 years for a drunk driving incident in South Africa. 
• A first offence may lead to a 6-month license suspension. In extreme cases, repeat offenders may have their driver’s licence revoked.
• A criminal record of up to 10 years for driving under the influence. This can affect future employment and travel opportunities.
• Car insurance providers may increase your monthly insurance premiums after a drunk driving incident. This is due to the higher risk you pose. That, or the insurance policy may be cancelled outright.

Arrive Alive says, “A person may be prosecuted just for sitting in the driver’s seat of a stationary vehicle while the engine is running. And a vehicle is ‘driven’ even if it is moving without the engine running, for example, if it rolls downhill or is being pushed.”

How Drunk Driving Affects Car Insurance

If you have a drunk driving conviction, your insurance application could be rejected, or you may be quoted a higher-than-usual car insurance premium because you may be considered a high-risk client.

How Does Drunk Driving Impact Your Insurance? 

Below is an overview of how a prior drunk driving incident can affect your insurance:

1. Your insurance premiums may be higher than usual to account for the risk of someone with a drunk driving conviction.
2. Any claim filed for an incident while under the influence will be rejected, leaving you liable for all costs, including third-party fees. Drunk driving is a policy exclusion—a clause that excludes coverage for illegal activities, such as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit (0.05g/100ml for non-professional drivers).
3. Your policy may be cancelled because drunk driving is a criminal offence in South Africa. Insurance does not cover illegal activities that violate the terms of most insurance agreements.
4. A drunk driving conviction decreases your insurability. Insurers typically review your driving and insurance history, so having a criminal record may make it difficult to get insured.

Pineapple’s team specialises in guiding you through insurance claims, even complex alcohol-related cases. That’s if you’re the victim, of course. 

We’re here to help ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. 

Click here for more information on filing a car insurance claim: Avoid Claim Denials: 10 Scenarios Your Insurance Won’t Cover.

Preventing Drunk Driving Incidents in South Africa

If it wasn’t clear enough, drunk driving is a severe problem. It significantly threatens your safety, passengers’ safety, and other road users. 

Estimates show that around 1.19 million lives are lost globally each year because of driving under the influence of alcohol. 

South Africa alone has one of the highest rates of alcohol-related road deaths in the world. Estimated figures suggest that between 27% and 58% of its road fatalities are linked to drunk driving.  

According to the South African Police Services (SAPS), “If you have more than 350ml of beer, OR if you have more than a single tot of brandy or other spirit, you may already be over the limit. These levels of alcohol will remain in your system for up to EIGHT hours after consumption!”

But besides the lengthy and costly legal proceedings that follow, numerous long-term consequences of drunk driving can follow you for years.

How to Avoid Drunk Driving in South Africa

Here are some practical steps to help you avoid making a fatal accident that could affect your future and other road users:

• Simple. If you’re driving, just don’t drink.
• Choose non-alcoholic alternatives like mocktails, ciders, or de-alcoholised wines.
• Choose a friend to be the designated driver before going out for the night. Confirm their commitment before the drinks start flowing and ensure they’re on board with the responsibility. P.S. If your sober cobra ends up having a few themselves, DO NOT GET IN THE CAR!
• Use e-hailing services like Uber or Bolt to move around freely and responsibly. Ensure you have enough cash for the trip, or things could get awkward. Carry a power bank so your phone has enough juice when it’s time to request.
• If you have no other way of getting home, it’s better to stay overnight or book a nearby hotel so you can sleep off the liquor’s effect and avoid drunk driving.
• Use public transport, such as buses, taxis, and trains, to ensure safe travel. However, check the schedules in advance before banking on this option.

A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge can significantly affect your driving, insurance, employment and travel plans. Being convicted of drunk driving can lead to a conviction, which can lead to a job loss, especially jobs requiring driving or security clearance. 

A DUI conviction can also restrict international travel plans. Some countries may deny entry to anyone with a criminal record. 

FAQs About Drunk Driving Incidents in South Africa

1. What are the penalties for drunk driving in South Africa?
   Drunk driving in South Africa can result in a fine ranging from R2,000 to R150,000, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both, depending on any prior convictions. You may also lose your driver’s licence or have it suspended. And you’ll have a criminal record, which can impact your insurance, travel, and future job opportunities.
2. How does a DUI affect my car insurance?
   A DUI can lead to higher insurance premiums because this conviction can make you classified as a high-risk driver. Your policy may also be cancelled, and your claims may be rejected if you cause an accident while under the influence.
3. How can I avoid drunk driving?
   
   1. • Don’t drink and drive. Don’t even get into a car with a person under the influence.
      • Choose a designated driver before a night out.
      • Book an overnight stay at the nearest hotel or Airbnb.
      • Use e-hailing services like Bolt or Uber.

    
    

4. What happens if a drunk driver flees the scene?
   Even when the driver leaves the scene, if police can track down the person, you can seek compensation through their insurance or a lawsuit. If not, your own insurance will likely cover your costs. According to Arrive Alive, drivers who fail to stop after an accident are liable to be prosecuted and, if convicted, fined up to R36000. That, or they may be sent to prison for up to nine years. 

Final Thoughts + Get Protected with Pineapple

Drunk driving has serious consequences. 

From legal penalties to insurance issues, and not forgetting the emotional and financial toll. From an insurance perspective, these can make you high-risk, and if you knowingly drove under the influence, this is grounds to reject your claim. 

Avoid drunk driving by planning safe trips, understanding legal drinking limits, and making smart decisions. This will ensure your safety and that of other road users and motorists.

And while we don’t cover DUI incidents, Pineapple can protect you comprehensively in other ways. 

Why choose Pineapple for your car insurance needs?

Pineapple is fast, reliable and affordable. Our streamlined claims process ensures that you receive the support you need promptly. Our comprehensive coverage protects you against accidents, liability, and more.

From filing claims to understanding your cover, Pineapple makes insurance hassle-free and straightforward.

Secure peace of mind on the road ahead—Get your quote today and drive confidently!

Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice. 

Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.