A worker drove while disqualified because he couldn’t get a lift for his night shift.
Christopher Blades (35), of Knight Close, Deeping St James, was spotted by police when he was driving his VW Golf along the A15 at 6.30am on July 29.
Paul Wood, prosecuting, said police followed him to Market Deeping, where he stopped in the market place.
He was convicted of drink-driving on October 18 last year and disqualified for 18 months.
Mr Wood said: “I think he may have been half-way to completing his ban.”
When convicted, Blades accepted a chance to cut the ban by four months by attending a drink-drive rehabilitation course.
Blades told magistrates on Thursday he had paid for the course but not yet attended.
Probation officer Chris Payne said Blades drove because he couldn’t get a lift and couldn’t see an alternative.
Blades received a 12-month community order with 150 hours unpaid work.
Magistrates endorsed his licence with six points, rather than extending the ban, to give him a chance to attend the rehabilitation course.
Blades must pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
He admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance as no policy covers a banned driver.