A driving expert has issued a warning for anyone planning to ring in the new year with a festive tipple. New Year's Eve is finally here with, 2026 just hours away, and many people will be heading out to an array of celebrations to welcome the change. Indulging in party food and drinks is very much part of the traditions enjoyed throughout December, but those who kick off the new year by driving - even if they don't feel hungover - could be at risk of unlimited fines and penalty points on their licences.

Dorry Potter, driving expert at National Scrap Car, has warned drivers may need to wait until well into the afternoon of January 1 before they are legally fit to get back behind the wheel. The expert is also keen to debunk common myths which may give people a false sense of security and confidence when driving the morning after.

The only way to eliminate alcohol from the bloodstream is to let enough time pass. On the belief that having a cup of coffee can help to sober you up, Dorry said: "While caffeine, or even a cold shower, might make you feel more alert, it does not speed up the rate at which your liver processes and removes alcohol from your system."

Similarly, filling up on a big breakfast the morning after drinking doesn't help to flush alcohol out of your system. The expert continued: "Eating a meal only slows the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream when you are drinking. It does nothing to eliminate alcohol that is already in your system from the night before."

Some people mistakenly believe low levels of alcohol won't have an impact on their driving skills. Dorry said: "Even low levels of alcohol in your system can affect your driving by impairing your reaction times, concentration and judgement.

"The most crucial thing to remember is that the rate at which alcohol leaves your bloodstream is unique to every individual. This rate depends heavily on several factors, including your size, gender, food consumption, and metabolism."

The expert stresses that whenever you drink, the next day you should always err on the side of caution. She added: "Many drivers forget that you can face a fine of £2,500 for simply sleeping in your car while over the legal limit.

"Even if you feel perfectly fine, the alcohol in your breath, blood, or urine may still exceed the legal limit, significantly impairing your reaction times and judgment. With one in five drink driving accidents happening in the morning, it simply isn't worth the risk."

As per the Road Traffic Act 1988, if you drive or attempt to drive with alcohol levels over the legal limit, you could face a driving ban, or between three and 11 penalty points on your licence, and an unlimited fine. Similarly, if you're in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit, you could face a driving ban or 10 penalty points, as well as fine up to £2,500.

One person took to Reddit to share how, after a few glasses of wine, they thought they were safe to drive, but got pulled over by police and are now facing a driving ban and fines: "I got pulled over just after midnight sat night, I blew 86mg so arrested and charged with drink driving," they said. "Court is in two weeks time."

They added: "I didn't feel drunk and fully cooperated with police. I drank three large glasses of wine but on an empty stomach. I fully accept I'm selfish and could have killed someone, nobody can say anything to punish me any more than I'm punishing myself right now."