Driving while unfit due to drugs is against the law in the UK, even if the medication has been prescribed by a doctor. Motorists who get behind the wheel while impaired by legal prescription drugs can face a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine.
While most people know that drink-driving or driving under the influence of illegal substances is a criminal offence, many may not realise that lawfully prescribed medication can also cause serious trouble under certain circumstances. Gov.uk advice states: "Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you're taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional."
What happens if you're stopped
Officers can pull drivers over and require them to undertake a 'field impairment assessment'. If they believe a driver is unfit to drive as a result of drug use, the driver will be arrested and required to provide a blood or urine sample at a police station.
It is crucial to establish whether any medication affects the ability to drive safely. If convicted of drug-driving, offenders could face a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine. In more serious cases, offenders could be handed a six-month custodial sentence and a criminal record.
Long-term consequences of a conviction
A drug-driving conviction remains on a driving licence for 11 years. In the most extreme circumstances, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs can carry a life imprisonment sentence.
A drug driving conviction can cause car insurance premiums to rise sharply. It could also create problems in the workplace if a role involves driving, as an employer will be able to see the conviction on the licence. Drivers may also face difficulties travelling to certain countries, such as the USA.
Medication that can affect driving
If prescribed medication, drivers can speak directly to their doctor about how it might affect their ability to drive. Alternatively, most medicines come with an information leaflet or health guidance on the packaging that may warn of the risks associated with driving while taking them.
It is also advisable to consult a doctor if prescribed any of the following medications: amphetamine (for example dexamphetamine or selegiline), lorazepam, oxazepam, morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, diazepam, methadone, temazepam, flunitrazepam, or clonazepam.
Drivers are permitted to drive after taking these drugs if they have been prescribed them and followed advice on how to take them by a healthcare professional, and they are not causing the driver to be unfit even if above the specified limits. Full details on government regulations surrounding drugs and driving can be found on the Gov.uk website.
