Skip to main content

This blog post was published under the 2010-2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

https://insidedvla.blog.gov.uk/2015/03/16/changes-to-the-drug-driving-law/

Changes to the drug driving law

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Features

On 2 March 2015 the drug driving law changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers.

It’s now an offence to drive with certain drugs above a specified level in your blood - just as it is with drink driving. Sixteen legal and illegal drugs are covered by the law, including cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine. The limits for all illegal drugs are extremely low – taking even a very small amount of an illegal drug could put you over the limit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8Wy-4YR340&list=PL089419BCE8EA6A19

The new offence will work alongside the existing offence of driving whilst impaired through drink or drugs

The consequences

The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. If convicted you’ll receive a:

  • minimum 12-month driving ban
  • criminal record
  • a heavy fine or up to 6 months in prison or both

The consequences of a drug drive conviction are far reaching and can include:

  • job loss
  • loss of independence
  • the shame of having a criminal record
  • increase in car insurance costs
  • trouble getting in to countries like the USA

For more information about the legislation go to: gov.uk/drug-driving-law

Sharing and comments

Share this page