Advice - Drug driving

Driving while under the influence of drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous, and can affect driving behaviour 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.

In March 2015 the Government introduced new legislation to make it easier for the police to detect and prosecute drug drivers.

The legislation makes it illegal to drive with certain drugs in the body above specified levels, including eight illegal drugs and eight prescription drugs. People using prescription drugs within recommended amounts will not be penalized.

The penalties for people who drive after taking illegal drugs include loss of licence for at least a year and a fine of up to £5,000.

Police have new equipment to screen drivers for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside. They are also able to test for these and other drugs including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at a police station, even if a driver passes the roadside check. New devices that can test for a greater number of drugs at the roadside will be developed in the future.

For more information about the new drug drive legislation visit: www.gov.uk/drug-driving-law