Failing to provide a specimen of breath, blood or urine is an offence whether at the roadside or at the police station. However should you have a reasonable excuse or exceptional circumstances for not providing a sample a charge for this offence may not always lead to a conviction and you should seek the advice of a specialist solicitor at the earliest opportunity.

Stephensons’ specialist motoring lawyers have the necessary experience and expertise to advise and assist you through the appeal process, call our 24 hour helpline on 0845 00 20736 or complete our online enquiry form for free initial advice.

A reasonable excuse could include medical reasons such as breathing difficulties or a phobia of needles which would prevent the possibility of a blood test. If you believe you have a reasonable excuse for failing to provide a sample contact our specialist solicitors and lawyers for advice and expert evidence. The law relating to failure to provide a specimen or sample of breath, blood or urine can be very complicated so if you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are guilty of the offence speak to our team of failure to provide specialists.

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If found guilty of failing to provide a sample the punishment/penalty can range from a fine of up £5,000 and a minimum driving ban of 12 months (minimum of 3 years driving ban if a person has been convicted of a drink driving/alcohol related offence within the last 10 years). In more serious cases failing to provide a sample for analysis can lead to a prison sentence of up to 6 months.