Changes To The Drug Driving Laws
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AUTHOR Robert Gillespie
March 19, 2015

Changes To The Drug Driving Laws

Changes To The Drug Driving Laws in the UK came into force on the 2nd March 2015. The aim is to make it easier for drug drivers to be caught and prosecuted by the police.

It is now an offence to drive with certain drugs above a specified level in your blood, just as it is with drink driving. Sixteen legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law, including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low, taking even a very small amount of an illegal drug could put you over the limit.

The new offence will work alongside the existing offence of driving whilst impaired through drink or drugs.

Drug Driving Penalties

The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. If you are convicted you will receive:

  • A minimum 12-month driving ban
  • A criminal record
  • A hefty fine or up to 6 months in prison or both

The consequences of a drug drive conviction are far reaching and can include:

  • Job loss
  • Loss of independence
  • The shame of having a criminal record
  • Increase in car insurance costs
  • Difficulty hiring a car for 5 years
  • Trouble getting in to countries like the USA

It is illegal to drive if your driving is impaired by drugs or if you have certain drugs above a specified level in your blood.

If the police stop you and think you’re on drugs they will either test you at the roadside using a drug screening device or a “Field Impairment” test to assess your ability to drive.

If drugs are detected in your system or you are deemed impaired by drugs, you’ll be arrested and taken to a police station for blood or urine tests. If the tests show you’ve taken drugs or show a specified drug above the specified blood limits you could be charged with drug driving.

Seek Advice Before Driving

You don’t have to be on illegal drugs to be impaired to drive. Prescription or over the counter medicines can also impair your ability to drive. If you’re taking medicines, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional before driving. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you are not ‘impaired’ while driving.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.

Robert Gillespie

Traveller

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