Motorists risk prison sentence for driving with prescription meds in system
There are a lot of motoring laws that people might not be aware of.
But one thing that drivers could forget about is when they have medication in their system.
When it comes to alcohol, motorists are permitted to drive unless they have exceeded the maximum legal limit.
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In the UK, the limit is 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, or 35mg of booze per 100ml of breath.
However, drivers could still be prosecuted if alcohol has made them unfit to drive, even if they’re under the limit.
And when it comes to prescription medication, motorists may drive legally if the medicine has not impaired their ability to drive.
(Image: Getty Images)
Bilal Hussain, a serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “It’s illegal to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving.
“Legal drugs include prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
“If you’re taking them and not sure if you should drive, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.
“Driving while taking prescription and over-the-counter medication can be very dangerous and affect your driving.”
(Image: Getty Images)
It is only legal for motorists to drive with these drugs if they have been prescribed them.
The consequences of drug driving can be severe.
If a motorist kills someone while driving under the influence of drugs, they could be handed a life sentence in prison.
Bilal added: “It’s an offence to drive if you’re over the limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.”
These drugs include:
- Amphetamine
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Flunitrazepam
- Lorazepam
- Methadone
- Morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs (for example Codeine, Tramadol or Fentanyl)
- Oxazepam
- Temazepam
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