Lancashire Police highlights serious risks and penalties of drug driving
Drug Driving – Know the Risks
Drug driving means operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, whether they are:
• Illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, ketamine or MDMA.
• Legal drugs, including prescribed medication and over-the-counter medicines that can impair driving ability.
Drug driving is a serious criminal offence and presents significant risks to drivers, passengers, and other road users.
The Law
There are two main drug driving offences:
Driving whilst unfit through drugs
Driving with a specified controlled drug above the legal limit in your system
Across England, Scotland and Wales, it is illegal to:
• Drive while impaired by any drug.
• Drive with a specified controlled drug in your blood above the legal limit.
Understanding Drug Limits
Many motorists find drug driving limits confusing. The reality is that it is impossible to determine exactly how much of a drug can be taken before exceeding the legal limit, as this depends on many factors, including:
• Age
• Gender
• Weight and body composition
• Dosage taken
• Frequency of use
• Metabolism
For illegal drugs, the limits have been set at near zero-tolerance levels. Even a very small amount may place someone over the legal limit. The limits do, however, allow for accidental exposure, such as passive exposure to cannabis smoke.
Prescription Medication
Legal medications can still affect your ability to drive safely. For many prescribed drugs covered by the legislation, the specified limits are generally set to allow normal therapeutic use when taken as directed. If medication has been:
Prescribed by a healthcare professional
Taken exactly as directed
A statutory medical defence may be available where the drug was prescribed or supplied for medical purposes, taken in accordance with medical advice and any accompanying instructions, and the driver was not impaired.
Always check medication guidance and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about driving.
How Long Do Drugs Stay in Your System?
There is no definitive answer. Detection times vary considerably depending on the individual and the substance used.
Approximate detection periods include:
Drug
Typical Detection Time
Cannabis
2 to 3 days (up to 2 months for regular users)
Cocaine
Around 12 hours to 3 days
MDMA
1 to 4 days
Heroin
2 to 5 days
Ketamine
2 to 4 days
LSD
1 to 3 days
Crystal Meth
1 to 4 days
Remember:These are estimates only and should not be relied upon when deciding whether it is safe or legal to drive.
What Happens If You're Caught?
If a blood sample shows a specified controlled drug above the legal limit, you are likely to be charged with drug driving and required to attend court. A conviction can result in:
Minimum 12-month driving disqualification
Unlimited fine
Up to 6 months' imprisonment or a community order
A criminal record
Potential travel restrictions to certain countries, including the USA
Endorsement remaining on your driving licence for 11 years
Significant increases in motor insurance premiums
Impact on Employment
A drug driving conviction can have long-term consequences for your career. Employers, particularly where driving forms part of the role, may review driving records and convictions. Certain professions and regulatory bodies may also require disclosure of criminal convictions, which may affect employment opportunities.
Think You Won't Get Caught? Think Again
Last year, Lancashire Police conducted thousands of roadside stops, breath tests and drug tests, resulting in a significant number of positive results and arrests for drink and drug driving offences. Drug driving remains a key road safety enforcement priority, and officers have the power to carry out roadside drug screening where they suspect a driver has taken drugs.
If you've taken drugs, whether illegal or prescribed, and are unsure whether they could affect your driving, don't take the risk. Drug driving ruins lives, carries severe penalties, and can have lasting personal and professional consequences.
Think before you drive: If you drive under the influence of drugs, you risk being stopped, tested, arrested and convicted.
