Experts are warning that motorists taking certain prescription medications could face a driving ban. According to guidance from GOV.UK, driving under the influence of some legal drugs can be as serious as using illegal substances, and the DVLA may prevent affected individuals from getting behind the wheel.
Greg Wilson, founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk, highlighted that those taking opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, or antidepressants could be impacted by the law. Even when prescribed by a doctor, these medications may impair driving ability, and motorists are advised to speak with their GP before driving. Wilson noted that strong medications often carry a recommendation to avoid driving, particularly those that cause drowsiness or include a warning not to operate heavy machinery.
The official guidance lists additional drugs that could cause issues, including amphetamines such as dexamphetamine and selegiline, as well as benzodiazepines like clonazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, and lorazepam. Methadone, morphine, oxazepam, and temazepam are also named. GOV.UK states that it is illegal in England, Scotland, and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if they impair your driving, and it is an offence to drive with specified levels of certain drugs in your blood if they were not prescribed to you.
Police can conduct roadside stops and field impairment assessments, including tests such as walking in a straight line, if they suspect a driver is under the influence. Penalties for drug driving include a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine, and a conviction would also result in significantly higher car insurance costs.
Road safety charity Brake has previously warned that many prescription and over-the-counter medications can impair safe driving, sometimes with vague warnings that leave drivers to judge their own level of impairment.
