First Drink-Driving Conviction Potentially Occurred in London in 1897

Historic Conviction in London

On September 10, 1897, George Smith, a 25-year-old London taxi driver, became the first person in Britain, and potentially globally, to be convicted of drink-driving. Smith was operating one of the new Bersey electric cabs when his vehicle swerved, mounted a pavement, and crashed into a building on New Bond Street.

Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings

Police Constable Russell arrested Smith, who was then taken to Vine Street Police Station. A police surgeon confirmed his intoxication. The following day, Smith appeared at Marlborough Street Police Court, where he admitted to drinking "two or three glasses of beer." He pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of his cab and received a fine of 20 shillings, equivalent to about a week's wages at the time.

Legal Framework at the Time

Despite the novelty of motor cars, Britain had existing legislation, Section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872, which criminalized being drunk while in charge of a "carriage, horse, cattle, or steam engine." This law was applied to the emerging horseless carriages. The magistrate noted the difficulty in stopping a runaway motor car compared to a horse, emphasizing the need for driver caution with new machines. This conviction occurred before the introduction of driving licenses and vehicle registration numbers in 1904.