Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair & MOT Specialists of Farnborough, Hampshire, we like to keep you informed of all
things car related in the form of our weekly blogs. This week our blog is not about Volvo or Toyota cars but about recent changes in the law regarding
driving whilst under the influence of drugs. As of 2nd March 2015 new laws mean that motorists who drive whilst under the influence
of drugs face stiffer penalties.It’s illegal in England and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.
Under the new system, it is illegal to drive if you’re either unfit to do so because you’re on legal or illegal drugs,
or if you have certain levels of certain drugs in your blood. Crucially, this includes some prescription drugs, even if they haven’t affected your
driving.The law doesn’t cover Northern Ireland and Scotland but you could still be arrested if you’re unfit to drive.
The new law does not just affect those under the influence of illegal drugs, it also could lead to seemingly innocent drivers who are taking drugs for
a medical condition being prosecuted. It is always wise to read the information that accompanies your prescription along with discussing your concerns
over driving whilst taking these prescription medications with your doctor or pharmacist. More details regarding the exact table of drugs included
can be found on the web link at the end of this blog.
What prescribed drugs are included under the new laws?
The list of drugs includes certain medicines that are sometimes abused, such as medicines to treat:
- extreme pain (morphine, diamorphine, ketamine)
- anxiety or inability to sleep (diazepam, clonazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam)
- drug addiction (methadone)
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (amphetamine)
- multiple sclerosis (nabiximols)
Anyone found guilty of driving with any of these medicines above the limits in their bodies could be found guilty of breaking the law. However, if you’re
taking the drugs according to the advice given and your driving is not impaired, you are not guilty of breaking the new laws.
What are the penalties for drug-driving?
Under this crackdown, the Government has introduced a series of tougher punishments, including:
- a minimum one-year driving ban
- a fine of up to £5,000
- up to one year in prison
- a criminal record
- a driving licence endorsement that lasts for 11 years
- a prison sentence of 14 years if found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of dugs
To enforce the new drug-driving laws, the police will carry new detection equipment which will test if a driver has taken illegal drugs, such as cocaine
or cannabis. If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police
station.
You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you’ve taken drugs.
It’s believed that drug-driving accounts for around 200 deaths per year.
Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair & Mot Garage based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire our
advice to motorists is to discuss any prescriptions you have with your doctor to ensure your driving ability will not be affected. You should consult
your doctor immediately if prescription drugs are affecting your ability to drive. We also recommend you keep copies of your prescriptions with you
at all times.
Ignorance is not an excuse and it’s not worth the risk of a criminal record or, worse still, putting your own life and the lives of other motorists at
risk.
The new drug-driving laws came into force on 2nd March 2015. More information can be found here: http://think.direct.gov.uk/drug-driving
