Drug-driving offences have surpassed drink-driving violations for the first time on UK roads, according to new statistics from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, reveals that 30,707 endorsements for drug-driving were added to licences in 2025, a 28% increase from 23,981 in 2022. In comparison, drink-driving endorsements totalled 29,981 last year, down 17% from 35,976 in 2022.
Young Drivers Disproportionately Affected
Drivers aged 17-24 received 18% of all drug-driving endorsements in 2025, despite representing only 6% of licence holders. The Department for Transport (DfT) described the findings as "deeply concerning," while IAM RoadSmart called for "radical action" to tackle what it termed a "drug-driving epidemic" on Britain’s roads.
Legal Consequences and Recent Case
It is illegal to drive while unfit due to legal or illegal drugs, or with certain levels of illegal drugs in the blood. Convicted drug-drivers face a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to six months in prison. In a recent case, Daniel Tunstead, 35, of Widnes, Cheshire, was sentenced on 3 July at Mold Crown Court after reaching 167mph while being pursued by police on the A55 near Bangor, North Wales, on 23 February. He received an eight-month prison term suspended for 12 months and a three-year driving ban after admitting drug-driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance.
Fatalities and Government Action
DfT statistics show that 74 people died in crashes on Britain’s roads in 2024 where drug impairment was a contributory factor. The department committed to tackling drug-driving in its Road Safety Strategy, published in January, which includes reviewing penalties and exploring alternative evidence collection methods.
Calls for Immediate Licence Suspension
IAM RoadSmart is urging police to be given the power to suspend a driver’s licence immediately after a failed roadside drug test, without waiting for blood test analysis. Nicholas Lyes, the charity’s director of policy and external communications, said: "It’s becoming clear that the UK is mired in a drug-driving epidemic, to the point where it may now be more of a threat on our streets than drink-driving. These figures demonstrate the need for radical action to support police forces and reduce harm to all other road users." He added: "Educating people about the misconceptions of the impacts that drugs have on a person’s ability to drive is a start, but police should be given powers to suspend licences at the roadside for failing a drug swab test. In addition, it’s vital that we establish a national drug-drive rehabilitation programme."
Government Response
A DfT spokesperson stated: "These figures are deeply concerning. Drug-driving is reckless, dangerous and ruins lives. Our first road safety strategy in a decade has consulted on new powers to suspend driving licences for suspected drug-drivers. We’re also modernising how we tackle drug-driving by exploring new forensic testing methods, including saliva or sweat samples, to ensure those who endanger lives on our roads face swift consequences."
