It is just as illegal for you to drive under the influence of drugs – whether they are prescribed drugs or illegal drugs – as it is to drive under the influence of alcohol. Drugs can have an effect on both your mind and your body with the result that you are rendered unsafe to drive.

For this reason, section 4(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 specifically provides that:

“A person who, when driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place, is unfit to drive through drink or drugs is guilty of an offence.”

As with alcohol, the police can carry out roadside tests for drugs to help them decide whether to arrest you if they think you are unfit to drive.

The penalties are the same as for drink driving. You face a minimum one year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, and six months jail.

If you would like to discuss this with one of our solicitors then please contact keepmedriving either by completing the appropriate online information form which you will find in the Getting Help section, requesting a free call-back using the call-back form to the right or phoning us during office hours on 084 4804 4804