New ‘drug driving’ law comes in
9th April 2015
A new law that will make it easier for police to catch and convict drug drivers took effect last month in England and Wales.
The legislation makes it illegal to drive with certain drugs in the body above specified levels, including eight illegal drugs and eight prescription drugs. People using prescription drugs within recommended amounts will not be penalised.
Police forces will have access to new screening equipment to test suspected drug drivers. Officers can screen drivers for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside. They will be able to test for these and other drugs including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at a police station, even if a driver passes the roadside check. New devices that can test for a greater number of drugs at the roadside will be developed in the future.
The law also covers eight drugs commonly associated with medicinal use, that are sometimes abused, that have been set at higher limits based on the available evidence of the road safety risk and to reflect their use as medicines:
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Flunitrazepam
- Lorazepam
- Methadone
- Oxazepam
- Temazepam
- Morphine used to treat pain – opiate/opioid based medication will metabolise into morphine and show in a blood result.
The limits that have been set for these drugs exceed normal prescribed doses, meaning that the vast majority of people can drive as they normally would, so long as they are taking their medicine as directed and their driving is not impaired.
Amphetamine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson’s disease is also planned to be included within the offence shortly, subject to Parliamentary approval.
Drivers who break the law face a criminal record, loss of their licence for at least a year and a fine of up to £5,000.
“If you are taking your medicine as directed and your driving is not impaired, then you are not breaking the law and there is no need to worry,” Road Safety Minister Robert Goodwill said. “We advise anyone who is unsure about the effects of their medication or how the new legislation may affect them, to seek the advice of their doctor or pharmacist."