Organisation: Department for Transport
Date uploaded: 15th July 2014
Date published/launched: July 2014
The Government has issued new guidance to healthcare professionals as part of the process of introducing new measures to crack down on drug driving.
The new offence of driving with certain controlled drugs, including some prescription drugs, above specified limits is due to come into force on 2 March 2015.
The new guidance advises general practitioners, doctors, nurses and health advisers on changes to the drug driving offence and what it means for patients. It is designed to help them explain the new rules to patients, and to reassure those who take prescription drugs that they will be able to drive safely without being prosecuted.
While police can already prosecute drivers if they are driving while impaired by drugs, the new rules will make it an offence to be over the specified limits for each drug while driving.
The new law also provides a medical defence for patients who are taking their medicine in accordance with instructions, provided they are not impaired.
The new regulations will come in to force at the same time as new equipment to test drivers for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside is expected to become available to the police.
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