Are Drink Driving Convictions Made Public in the UK? Complete Legal Guide 2025

Are Drink Driving Convictions Made Public in the UK? Complete Legal Guide 2025

If you have been charged with drink driving, one of the most common and worrying questions is: “Are drink driving convictions made public in the UK?” The answer is yes — in the UK, drink driving convictions are public record, and in many cases, the details can also be published in local or national media.

A drink driving conviction does not just mean a fine and a driving ban — it can have a lasting impact on your reputation, career, and future opportunities. At Makwanas, our experienced drink driving solicitors provide both robust legal defence in court and strategic advice on minimising the reputational damage that comes with a conviction.

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Why Are Drink Driving Convictions Public?

In the UK, the justice system operates on the principle of open justice. This means that:

• Court proceedings are generally held in public.
• Convictions are recorded and can be accessed by certain parties.
• Journalists are free to report on court cases unless there are exceptional reporting restrictions.

Where Will a Drink Driving Conviction Appear?

Criminal Record

• Drink driving is a criminal offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
• It will appear on your criminal record and can be disclosed on a DBS check.

Driving Record

• The DVLA will endorse your driving licence with a DR10 (or similar) code for 11 years from the date of conviction.

Court Records

• Details of your case are recorded in the magistrates’ court register, which is a public document.

Media Reports

• Local newspapers often publish the name, age, and address of convicted drivers, along with details of the offence and sentence.
• Online articles can remain searchable indefinitely.

How Long Will It Stay on My Record?

• Driving Licence Endorsement – 11 years from the conviction date.
• Criminal Record – A drink driving conviction becomes “spent” after a certain rehabilitation period (typically 5 years for adults if a ban is imposed), but may still appear on enhanced DBS checks.
• Media Reports – Online publications have no legal obligation to remove accurate reports.

Will My Employer or Professional Regulator Find Out?

Your employer may find out if:

• Your job involves driving and they check your licence.
• Your role requires disclosure of any criminal convictions.
• They conduct routine or enhanced DBS checks.

For regulated professionals (such as solicitors, healthcare workers, and financial advisers), you may be under a professional duty to report the conviction to your regulator.

How to Minimise Reputational Damage

At Makwanas, we help by:

• ✅ Advising whether you are required to disclose your conviction.
• ✅ Seeking to avoid conviction where possible through legal defences.
• ✅ Presenting strong mitigation to minimise penalties.
• ✅ Advising on your rights if your case is reported in the press.

Frequently Asked Questions: Are Drink Driving Convictions Made Public in the UK?

Are drink driving convictions public record in the UK?

Yes — they are recorded by the DVLA, appear on your criminal record, and may be reported in the media.

Will my drink driving conviction show on a DBS check?

Yes, until it becomes spent, and even then it may appear on enhanced checks.

Can my conviction be kept private?

Not usually — drink driving is treated as a public offence.

How long do I have to declare a drink driving conviction to employers?

Until it becomes spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Can I remove an online news report about my conviction?

Only in limited circumstances, such as if it is factually inaccurate.

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