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Drug-driving – the penalties: Taking the tablets can put you off the road

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Prescription drugs or illegal substances, exceed the limit and it's a drug crime

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8 June 2016

three-sixty logoWHILE we all know the risks of drinking and driving, how many of us have given a thought to how any medication we might be on could affect our ability to be safe behind the wheel? We all need to know about drug-driving – the penalties.

Company car drivers in particular know they risk not only a ban from driving for being over the alcohol limit but also their livelihood.

But how many have ever given a second thought to whether the tablets they have been prescribed could put their job at risk? That taking the tablets can put you off the road – and worse.

Drug-driving – the penalties

  • Penalty same as for drink driving in England and Wales – automatic ban of at least a year, a fine and up to six months in prison
  • Could cost job even if not driving for a living
  • Conviction stays on licence for 11 years
  • Conviction will significantly increase premiums for insurance – if you can get it
  • Conviction likely to result in refusal of entry to USA

Even some over-the-counter medicines, such as for hay fever, can have an effect on our ability to drive safely.

Drug-driving prosecutions reached an all-time high last year, and now the Freight Transport Association says motorists need to be more aware of laws regarding prescription drugs that came into force in March 2015.

It says that while drink driving limits are well known many drivers may be unaware of changes to the law in England and Wales on medications including diazepam and temazepam.

Limits were introduced for eight commonly-prescribed drugs and anyone whose driving is impaired through exceeding the limit can face prosecution.

In fact the penalty for drug driving is the same as for drink driving in England and Wales – an automatic ban of at least a year, a fine and up to six months in prison.

Things are a little different in Scotland where lower alcohol limits were introduced in December 2014 so it’s important to be aware of the changes.

The eight common drugs are: Morphine – which is used to treat pain – Flunitrazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Temazepam and Clonazepam – which are used to treat anxiety or inability to sleep – and Methadone which is used to treat drug addiction.

A report by the comparison website confused.com highlights a 144% increase in drug driving prosecutions in 2015, while one in eight motorists admitted feeling affected by prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies such as hay fever tablets.

Andrew Drewary, of Manchester-based fleet risk management experts 3Sixty Fleet warned that a conviction for drug driving would remain on the offender’s licence for 11 years.

“A conviction for drug driving means you could lose your job whether or not you drive for a living. Even when you are allowed to drive again you may not get insurance or if you do your car insurance costs will increase significantly.”

He added: “The majority of people who are fit to drive and taking medicines as directed by their GP or healthcare professional, are unlikely to be above the specified limit and would not be committing an offence.

“If you have to and need to take any of the specified medicines you should keep taking them as prescribed. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicines for information on how your medicines may affect your driving ability.

“However, do not drive after taking your medicines until you know how they affect you. Do not drive if you feel drowsy; dizzy; unable to concentrate or make decisions; or if you have blurred or double vision.

“If you are taking any of the specified medicines, it may be advantageous to have the evidence with you when driving to show you have been supplied legally. This will then minimise any inconvenience, if you are stopped by the police.”

Finally, he warned that if you have ever fancied going to the USA for a holiday you may not be allowed entry, because of your conviction.

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