More than 2,500 drivers caught drink-driving three or more times in 11 years, DVLA data shows
More than 2,500 drivers in Britain have been caught drink-driving on at least three separate occasions in the past 11 years, according to DVLA data obtained by the RAC.
A Freedom of Information request submitted by the RAC found 2,553 drivers accrued three or more DR10 or DR20 endorsements since 2014.
DR10 endorsements apply to those driving or attempting to drive above the legal alcohol limit.
DR20 endorsements are issued to drivers deemed unfit to drive because of alcohol.
The data includes several extreme cases.
One motorist accrued 10 separate DR10 convictions, another had eight.
A further 13 drivers each recorded six convictions for driving over the limit.
Overall, the DVLA data shows 220,638 motorists currently hold drink-driving endorsements, 217,757 DR10 cases and 2,881 DR20 cases.
In the past 11 years, 26,819 licence holders have been convicted more than once.
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 or ‘alcolocks’ 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.
“When one instance can kill, 10 occurrences on the same licence is a truly grim Groundhog Day that must be prevented. Surely as a society we can’t afford not to be using alcolocks.”
Alcolocks prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
RAC data cited in the analysis shows 82% of drivers support their introduction.
The Lock Out Drink-Driving Campaign, launched in December 2025, is calling for the Government to introduce a mandatory alcolock programme for repeat offenders.
A campaign spokesperson said: “These figures should be a wake-up call for road safety in Great Britain.
“To see more than 18,000 people convicted of multiple drink-driving offences, some with as many as six convictions, 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.”
The Government’s Road Safety Strategy is targeting a 65% reduction in road deaths and serious injuries by 2035.
A consultation on new road safety measures, including potential alcolock use, is open until 11 May 2026.
Alcolocks are already in use in EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Studies cited by the RAC show reductions in reoffending of up to 70% once devices are fitted.
A Dutch study also indicates that drivers who had the devices installed remained less likely to reoffend after they were removed.
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