Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges in South Africa can be laid under Section 65(1) of the National Road Traffic Act - driving a vehicle while under the influence of liquor or drugs - or Section 65(2), driving over the breath/blood alcohol limit. Legal limits: 0.24mg alcohol per 1000ml breath, or 0.05g per 100ml blood. Penalties can include fines, licence disqualification, and imprisonment up to 6 years.
When to hire a dui & drunk driving attorney
- You have been arrested for DUI and need urgent legal advice.
- A breathalyser reading was taken and you dispute its accuracy.
- You have been charged and a trial date has been set.
- You face licence suspension or disqualification.
- You want to appeal a DUI conviction or sentence.
What to expect
DUI defence typically focuses on: chain of custody of the blood sample, calibration of the breathalyser, the time gap between driving and testing, and procedural issues at the roadside. Many matters resolve by plea bargain. Trials involve expert challenges to the forensic evidence. Convicted first-time offenders often avoid jail but can lose their licence.
Typical fees
Uncontested plea: R6,000-R15,000. Contested trial: R25,000-R100,000. Driver fitness hearings at the court: R8,000-R20,000. Licence appeals: R15,000-R40,000.
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