If you drive after taking drugs, your judgement will be impaired and your reactions will be slower.
It’s against the law to drive under the influence of drugs. The law does not treat illegal drugs and medicines differently.
How drugs affect driving
Drugs affect your ability to drive in many ways, for example you may experience:
- slower reaction times
- erratic (unpredictable) and aggressive behaviour
- poor concentration
- distorted perception
- poor coordination
- blurred vision
- over-confidence that leads to you taking unnecessary risks
- nausea (feeling sick)
- hallucinations (seeing, feeling or hearing things that are not real)
- panic attacks
- paranoia (being suspicious of people and situations)
- tremors or shaking
- dizziness
- tiredness that can be severe, sometimes the following day
The effects depend on the drug taken. They also vary from person to person and can last for hours or days.
Police roadside tests
The police can carry out tests at the roadside, to check if a driver is under the influence of drugs. For more information, see Is there a police test for drug driving?
Drug driving
Figures suggest that, among young drivers, drug driving is now more common than drink driving. Surveys have found that:
- Around one in four adults aged 17-24 has been in a car when they believed the driver had taken drugs.
- Almost 1 in 10 young drivers thinks it acceptable to drive after taking drugs such as cannabis.
If you're found guilty of driving under the influence of drugs, the penalties are the same as for drink driving. You could:
- lose your driving licence for at least 12 months
- be fined up to £5,000
- go to prison for up to six months
- have to pay high rates for your car insurance
A conviction for drug driving is shown on your driving licence for 11 years. If you drive for work, your employer will see the conviction when you show them your licence.
A driver found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving will go to prison for up to 14 years.
Any drug-related conviction may cause problems visiting countries such as the US.
Medicines and driving
Some medicines can affect your ability to drive, including:
- prescribed medicines
- over-the-counter medicines
For example, medicines that can make you feel sleepy will carry a message saying, 'Warning. May cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.'
Always ask your GP or pharmacist if your medication may affect your ability to drive. Also check:
- the medicine’s packaging
- the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine
If in doubt, don't drive.
You can also call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice.
Read the answers to common health questions about alcohol and smoking.
Further information:
