Drug Driving
Drug driving. It is against the UK law to drive if you are unfit to drive because you have taken legal or illegal drugs. It is also illegal in the UK if you have curtain levels of drugs in your blood even if you think it is not effecting you’re driving.
If you are taking legal medication (Drugs) and you are not sure if you are able to drive on UK roads. Check with your pharmacist, healthcare professional or doctor before you attempt to drive a motor vehicle.
Field impairment assessment
Under UK law, the police are able you stop any driver they think maybe under the influence of drugs. They will carry out a field impairment assessment. This could be asking you to walk in a straight line. The police will also be able to carry out a roadside drug test for Cocaine and Cannabis.
If the police feel you are unfit to drive. They have the powers to arrest you, and take you to the nearest police station for a blood or urine test. This will determine which drugs are in your system. You could be charged if the results are positive.
Prescription medication
If you have drugs in your body which impair your driving. It is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in England and Wales.
It is also an offence to drive a motor vehicle if you have certain level of drugs in your system which are not prescribed to you.
If you have been prescribed any of the following medication below. Speak to your doctor about wether you should be able to drive a motor vehicle.
- amphetamine, eg dexamphetamine or selegiline
- clonazepam
- diazepam
- flunitrazepam
- lorazepam
- methadone
- morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, eg codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
- oxazepam
- temazepam
With reference to the list of drugs above, you are able to drive a motor vehicle if you have been prescribed the medication, and followed your doctor or health professionals advice on how to take them.
If the medication in the above list is not causing you to be unfit to drive, even if you are taking over the specified limits.
Penalties for drug driving in the UK
Here are the current penalties for drug driving in the UK.
- minimum 12 months driving ban
- an unlimited fine
- up to 6 months in prison
- a criminal record
The same as drink driving, You’re driving licence will show you’ve been convicted for drug driving. This will stay on your licence for 11 years.
Other effects on your your lifestyle
With no driving licence, you’re freedom to just jump in your car and go, has gone. Which in turn means your indolence is now effected. Losing your driving licence could effect your job, which in turn will effect your financial situation, which could effect your family life. This in turn could effect you seeking future employment. There is NO getting off lightly. Are you sure it is worth it? Trust me, it’s not! On all the above, you will not automatically get your licence back if you are classed as high risk offender. If you would like more help and advice. Call 07811 606 606.