Drug Driving

Never drive under the influence of drugs.

Can the police spot a drug driver?

Can the police test for drugs?

What about legal drugs?

Drugs, their effects and tell-tale signs

It is an offence to drive whilst unfit through drugs. Many people think that if they drive under the influence of drugs a vehicle search and a potential charge of possession is all they have to be worried about.

The penalties are the same as for drink driving:

• A minimum 12-month driving ban
• A criminal record
• A fine of up to £5000

Additionally:

• There will be a specific record on the driving licence for 11 years that details a conviction for drug driving.
• If the driver is convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, they will receive a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
• If they drive for work, their employer will see the conviction when they have to produce their licence.
• Car insurance will increase significantly.
• Any drug-related convictions may result in not being allowed to enter countries such as the USA.

Driving whilst under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and significantly impairs driving in numerous ways:
Drug drivers can suffer from slower reaction times, erratic and aggressive behaviour, an inability to concentrate properly, nausea, hallucinations, panic attacks, paranoia, tremors (or ‘the shakes’) dizziness and fatigue. As drugs wear off, the taker may feel fatigued, which will affect their concentration whilst driving.

Supported by pioneering international DJ and producer Tom Middleton, our message is never drive under the influence of drugs. “There is a time and place for everything, but there's no time or place for driving on drugs. Partying safely is as important as the music or the DJ, so reach for the lasers but don't reach for the car key when under the influence,” says Tom.

Can the police spot a drug driver?

The police are on the look out now more than ever and know all the signs to spot a drug driver. Even if someone is pulled over for a reason such as a broken rear light, the police have every right to assess their capability to drive and if required, may make them undergo a Field Impairment Assessment.

Can the police test for drugs?

Drug drivers may think that just because they pass a test for alcohol they will be off the hook. This is not the case because the police can also prosecute a driver who is unfit through drugs and there are various ways they can detect and prove the offence.

One specific test the police may use is the Field Impairment Assessment. It can be administered by trained officers at the roadside and is based on an observation of impairment, rather than a biological test. Police use five field impairment tests that are simple to complete if the person is not affected by any substance.

What about legal drugs?

Prescription or over-the-counter medicines should always be taken properly. Advice about this is provided on the packaging and in the patient information leaflet supplied and packed in with the medicine. Advice can also be obtained from whoever has prescribed the medicine, or from the pharmacist who dispenses it. Some can affect the skills needed to drive safely, causing drowsiness, impaired judgement and a lack of self-confidence. These can be more profound if medicine is not taken properly – for example, if doses are varied or medicine is taken at the wrong time or too frequently.

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Drugs, their effects and tell-tale signs

Click here to view a table of drugs, their effect and symptoms