09/10/2026
On this day 129 years ago, London cab driver George Smith became the first person arrested for drunk driving after crashing his vehicle into a building. He later pleaded guilty and was fined 25 shillings.
The vehicles, testing technology, and penalties have changed dramatically—but one principle has not: an arrest is an accusation, not proof of guilt. The government must still prove its case.
A London cab driver was arrested after driving into a building.
