Go to navigation

Drugs and driving

Drug driving posterIt is an offence to drive while unfit through drugs. Many people think that if they drive under the influence of drugs, a vehicle search and a potential charge of possession is all they have to be worried about.

Drugs and the law

The penalties are the same as for drink driving. You face a minimum one-year driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and six months' jail.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c. 52) states that is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while unfit through drugs.

Some of the effects of drugs on drivers include:

  • slower reaction times;
  • poor concentration;
  • sleepiness and fatigue;
  • confused thinking;
  • distorted perception;
  • over-confidence, so you take unnecessary risks;
  • impaired co-ordination;
  • erratic behaviour;
  • nausea;
  • hallucinations;
  • blurred vision and enlarged pupils;
  • aggression;
  • panic attacks and paranoia;
  • tremors;
  • dizziness;
  • cramps.

For more information and advice please visit the Department of Transport's Drug Driving page. 

 

For more information contact Customer First by telephone: 01634 333333 or by email: customer.first@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Customer First, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

Rate this page: 
Send this page to a friend: Send

Send a link to the Drugs and driving page to a friend

  4. Please answer the question below to ensure your form gets through safely to Medway Council. It is to verify that you are a real person and not an automated internet spam programme.