Information
Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs - whether prescribed medication or illegal substances - is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. It's also against the law.
Drugs can affect your mind and body in a variety of ways that mean you aren't able to drive safely. Not only that, the effects can last for hours or even days.
Drug tests
The police can carry out roadside tests of impairment to help them decide whether to arrest you if they think you are unfit to drive through drugs. 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.
How Drugs Affect Your Driving:
- Slower reaction times
- Poor concentration
- Sleepiness/fatigue
- Confused thinking
- Distorted perception
- Over confidence, so you take unnecessary risks
- Impaired co-ordination
- Erratic behaviour
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Blurred vision/enlarged pupils
- Aggression
- Panic attacks and paranoia
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Cramps
For more information about the effects of driving under the influence of drugs please see the DfT’s Think! Website
