Drug Driving Solicitors
It is an offence to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle on a road or public space if your driving is impaired by legal or illegal drugs. If you have been charged with a drug driving offence – speak to the experts today. We offer FREE initial advice – call 0115 784 1588
What is impaired driving?
It is where a person is unfit to drive due to drugs. It would include people whose driving is impaired by prescribed drugs even if they are taken in accordance with medical advice, legal highs and controlled drugs that are not specified drugs.
What are the specified legal drugs and the specified illegal drugs?
| Specified Legal Drugs | Specified Illegal Drugs |
| Methadone | Cocaine |
| Morphine | Cannabis |
| Diazepam | Ketamine |
| Temezaepam | Heroin |
| Oxazepam | Ecstasy |
| Lorazepam | LSD |
| Flunitrazepam | Benzoylecgonine |
| Clonazepam | Methyl Amphetamine |
What are the limits in blood?
They all vary but the limits in respect of the illegal drugs are set much lower than the legal drugs. The limits for legal drugs exceed normal prescribed doses.
How can the police test for the drugs?
The police can stop you and if they think you have taken drugs they can:
- do a roadside drugs test
- do a field impairment test to assess ability to drive.
The road side drugs test can only test for cannabis and cocaine at the moment. The tests for other drugs would have to be carried out at the police station. If you fail either of the tests the police can arrest you and take you to the police station.
What are the likely penalties?
The likely penalties will depend on how much you were over the limit, any aggravating or mitigating features making the offence more or less serious, any personal mitigation, whether or not you plead guilty to the offence,
What is the maximum penalty?
- Up to 6 months’ imprisonment
- Minimum 12-month driving ban
- Criminal record
- Increased insurance costs
- Effect upon employment
- Difficulty getting into other countries
- The conviction will remain on your driving licence for 11 years.
Other related offences
- Being unfit to drive through drink or drugs and driving or attempting to drive
This will be dealt with in the Magistrates Court and carries up to 6 months’ imprisonment and an obligatory disqualification for a minimum of 12 months
- Being unfit though drink or drugs and being in charge of a vehicle
This will be dealt with in the Magistrates Court and carries up to 3 months’ imprisonment and 10 points or a discretionary disqualification.
When would I need help from a solicitor?
- If you have a defence
- If you are unsure whether the elements of the offence are made out
- If there are special reasons not to endorse your licence or disqualify you from driving
- If you do not know what the guidelines are
- If you do not think you should be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines
- If you do not want to represent yourself in court.
Drug Driving Solicitors – Further Information
Our motoring law solicitors can help advise you to see if there is a defence to the charge of drug driving. Contact our expert motoring law team today on 0115 784 1588 or email maria@mooremotoringlaw.co.uk
