Motorists taking painkillers, tranquillizers and antidepressants have been urged to check the label before driving as it could lead to a ban and a hefty fine
Medicines can be a good way to cope with health conditions and pain management. But did you know that the DVLA demands notification from any driver who is taking certain tablets?
Motorists on certain medications have been warned to double-check their prescriptions before driving to avoid potential accidents and hefty fines. Drivers on medication not declared to the DVLA could be hit with fines up to £1,000 and prosecution if an accident occurs.
There is a substantial list of drugs which if you are taking require you to contact the DVLA, which after doing so could lead to driving restrictions or even a temporary ban.
Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone, has urged drivers to contact the DVLA promptly if their medication includes a specific warning. He said: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving.”
“Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability – as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery’.”
While most meds are safe, some can cause sleepiness and confusion. Drivers may experience reduced spatial awareness and slower response times increasing the risk of minor collisions.
Before setting out, drivers should look on their medication’s label and check with the DVLA’s website to determine if they need to report their condition.
The NHS has highlighted that certain antidepressants can cause side effects. They advised: “Some antidepressants can cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision, particularly when you first start taking them. If you do experience these problems, you should not drive or use tools and machinery.”
Drivers who ignore this advice not only risk causing serious accidents but also face legal consequences. The DVLA regularly updates its list of medications, urging drivers to frequently check their website to stay within the law.
