Driving under the influence of drugs is a growing danger on the roads. It is important that road users are familiar with the law concerning driving under the influence of drugs. The way that drugs affect the body and mind is complicated. Wherever possible driving under the influence of drugs should be avoided. In many cases it is illegal. By driving under the influence of drugs you are endangering yourself, your passengers and other road users.

Drugs, whether that be illegal or medicinal, can affect the human body in a variety of ways. The exact effect will depend on the type of substance, but this can include impairment of awareness, judgement and reaction time, putting the user and all who use the road at a greater risk of danger.

Officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs, including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at the police station. Even drivers that pass the roadside check can be arrested if the police suspect that your driving is impaired by drugs.

If you are caught, the penalties can be severe, including:

• a driving ban (one year minimum)
• an unlimited fine
• a criminal record
• up to six months in prison.

In addition, the conviction for drug driving will stay on your licence for 11 years, and your employer will be able to see this. Being convicted for drug driving could have far-reaching consequences on your life and the lives of others.

Medicinal drugs

Many prescription or over-the-counter medications can seriously impair the ability to drive safely. For instance many drugs can cause drowsiness, affecting reaction times, coordination, concentration and vision.

Warnings on medication packaging can often be vague or in small print and may not directly reference the impairment to driving. Therefore, it is always best to seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacists about whether your medicine(s) will negatively affect your ability to drive.

The following types of drugs can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive:

• Some antidepressants.
• Stronger painkillers e.g. those containing codeine or dihydrocodeine.
• Powerful tranquillisers – used for the treatment of some mental disorders. Some drugs used to treat epilepsy e.g. phenobarbitone and phenytoin.
• Benzodiazepine tranquillisers e.g. tamazepam or diazepam – commonly prescribed for anxiety or insomnia.
• Some antihistamines – used in hayfever medicines.

REMEMBER
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Read the labels. Don’t drink while taking drugs. Always report side effects to your doctor. If in doubt, don’t drive.

For more information about Drug Driving, visit the GOV.UK website.