New Drug Driving Rules

 

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From 2nd March 2015, there will be a new law on driving after taking certain drugs, including some prescribed medicines such as, morphine, diazepam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam and methadone.

Please note that this list will be subject to further additions in the future.

Many people are raising the question, 'What should I do if I need to take any of the specified medicines?' Information from the Department of Transport says that you should:-

  • Keep taking your medicines as prescribed.
  • Check the leaflet that comes with your medicines for information on how they may affect your driving ability.
  • Do not drive after taking your medicines until you know how they affect you.
  • Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, unable to concentrate or make decisions, or if you have blurred or double vision.

If you are taking your medicine in accordance with the advice of a healthcare professional and/or as printed in the accompanying leaflet and your driving is not impaired, then you are not breaking the law.

If you are worried or feel uncertain about your medication, speak to your pharmacist or GP.

Find more information on the Gov UK website