Madison Burgess
Did you know that driving while on certain prescribed medications could see you banned from the roads?
Just because a drug is legal and has been handed to you by a doctor doesn't mean that it's automatically safe to have in your system while behind the wheel, contrary to popular belief.
In simple terms, it’s illegal in England, Scotland, and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it 'impairs your driving'.
Anything that's going to stop you from having your complete wits about you is, of course, a big no-no. Even commonly used medications, like some painkillers, can be problematic and pose a risk.
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It’s also an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.
Expert Greg Wilson of Quotezone told The Sun: “If you are on strong medications, it is likely that you will be recommended to avoid driving."
He added: "Opioid painkillers, tranquillisers, and certain antidepressants are examples of medicines that can affect driving ability - as well as those that cause drowsiness or say ‘do not operate heavy machinery.'"
However, it's important that you don't just stop taking medication without medical advice. Instead, check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure whether it is safe to drive.
The UK Government website outlines that you should talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs:
However, it's important to note that this isn't a blanket ban, and if you’ve been prescribed them and followed advice on how to take them by a healthcare professional, you're likely okay.
As long as they are not causing you to be unfit to drive, even if you’re above the specified limits, you should have nothing to worry about.
But, you could be prosecuted if you drive with certain levels of these drugs in your body and you have not been prescribed them.
If you’re convicted of drug driving, you could get a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and a criminal record
Your driving licence will also show you’ve been convicted for drug driving, which will last for 11 years. The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving under the influence of drugs is life imprisonment.
So, it's hugely important to be safe and double-check the advice for the specific drugs you're on, and speak to a healthcare professional if you're worried.