Motorists could be banned from driving and slapped with an unlimited fine for taking their prescribed medication
Motorists across the UK could face a driving ban and an unlimited fine for taking their prescribed medication. While it’s common knowledge that drink-driving or driving under the influence of illegal substances is against the law, many may not be aware that their legal, prescribed, medication could also land them in trouble under certain conditions.
Official guidelines clarify that legal drugs are those prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional, or over-the-counter medicines. Some people may need to take these legal drugs to manage a health condition or short-term infection.
However, it’s vital to check whether these medications affect your ability to drive. If the police suspect you’re driving under the influence of drugs, whether they’re legal or not, they have the power to stop you and conduct a field impairment assessment.
This involves several tests to determine if you’re fit to drive, which could include tasks like walking in a straight line under their supervision. If you’re found guilty of drug-driving, you could face a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine.
In more severe cases, you could receive a six-month prison sentence and a criminal record. Furthermore, your driving licence will show a conviction for drug driving, which stays on-record for 11 years. In the most extreme cases, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs can result in life imprisonment.
A conviction for drug driving can significantly hike up your car insurance premiums. It could also cause employment issues if your job involves driving, as your employer will be able to see the conviction on your licence.
When to speak with your doctor
If you’ve been prescribed medication, you can directly ask your doctor about its potential impact on your driving ability. Alternatively, most medications come with an information leaflet or health details on the packaging that may advise you of the risks associated with driving while taking the medication.
It is also advised to discuss with your doctor if you have been prescribed the following medications:
- amphetamine, for example dexamphetamine or selegiline
- lorazepam
- oxazepam
- morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, for example codeine, tramadol or fentanyl
- diazepam
- methadone
- temazepam
- flunitrazepam
- clonazepam
Full details on government regulations surrounding drugs and driving can be found here.