Driving and drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs - whether prescribed medication or illegal substances - is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. It's also against the law.
Drugs can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways that mean you aren't able to drive safely. Not only that, the effects can last for hours or even days.
Drug tests
The police can carry out roadside tests of impairment to help them decide whether to arrest you if they think you are unfit to drive through drugs.
For more information on how different types of drugs can affect your driving, visit www.dft.gov.uk/think/dontdrugdrive/
How drugs affect your driving
- Slower reaction times
- Poor concentration
- Sleepiness/fatigue
- Confused thinking
- Distorted perception
- Over confidence, so you take unnecessary risks
- Impaired co-ordination
- Erratic behaviour
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Blurred vision/enlarged pupils
- Aggression
- Panic attacks and paranoia
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Cramps
If convicted for driving while unfit through drugs, drivers face:
- A minimum one year driving ban
- A fine up to £500
- Up to six months in prison
A 10 year prison sentence would apply if convicted of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drinks or drugs.