Drug driving
What you may not know is that driving while on drugs is illegal as it reduces your ability to drive safely.
Both illegal drugs and medicinal drugs can affect your judgement, concentration and vision which make driving extremely dangerous.
The Law:
If convicted of driving while unfit through drugs, the driver could face:
- A minimum 1 year driving ban
- A fine of up to £5000
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Up to 6 months in prison
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A criminal record
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Any drug related conviction may mean encountering difficulties getting permission to enter countries such as the USA.
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Car insurance costs will increase significantly.
A 14 year prison sentence would apply if you caused death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.
To find out more on how specific drugs can effect your ability to drive safely visist www.dft.gov.uk/think/dontdrugdrive/
Can the police spot a drug driver?
The police are on the look out now more than ever and aside from just the erratic driving behaviour, know all the signs to spot a drug driver.
Even if someone is pulled over for a reason such as a broken rear light, the police have every right to assess their capability to drive and if required make them undergo a Field Impairment Assessment.
| “People need to be aware that police officers are easily able to recognise and identify the signs of drug impairment in drivers. If an officer stops a motor vehicle they will take into account the way it is being driven, and the appearance and behaviour of the driver will be examined for the obvious tell tale signs of drug use.
Drug driving is as unacceptable as drink driving. PC Andy Taylor, Roads Policing Impaired, Driver Team, Cheshire Police |
Source: Drug Drive 2009 DfT leaflet
What about legal drugs?
Click here for further guidance and advice on taking legal drugs and driving >>
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