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Motorists nationwide could be slapped with a driving ban and an unlimited fine for taking their prescribed medication. It's widely known that driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances is against the law, but many might not realise that their legal, prescribed medication could also land them in hot water under certain circumstances. Official guidelines state that legal drugs are those prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional, or over-the-counter medicines. Some individuals may need to take these legal drugs to manage a health condition or short-term infection. However, it's crucial to check whether these medications impair your ability to drive. If the police suspect you're driving under the influence of drugs, whether they're legal or not, they have the authority to pull you over and conduct a field impairment assessment. This involves several tests to determine if you're fit to drive, which could include tasks like walking in a straight line under their supervision. Should you be found guilty of driving while under the influence of drugs, you could face a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine. In more severe cases, you could receive a six-month prison sentence and a criminal record. Moreover, your driving licence will reflect a conviction for drug driving, which remains on record for 11 years. In the most severe cases, causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drugs can lead to life imprisonment. A drug driving conviction can also significantly increase your car insurance premiums. It could also create employment issues if your job involves driving, as your employer will be able to see the conviction on your licence. If you've been prescribed medication, you can directly ask your doctor about its potential impact on your driving ability. Alternatively, most medications come with an information leaflet or health details on the packaging that may advise you of the risks associated with driving while taking the medication. It is also advised to discuss with your doctor if you have been prescribed the following medications: Full details on government regulations surrounding drugs and driving can be found here.
