In the UK, drug driving is a serious offence that typically results in a minimum 12-month driving ban, this is an area of the law that you should consult a drug driving solicitor about. This is enforced strictly, with additional penalties such as an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, and a criminal record. These measures reflect the UK government’s commitment to road safety and are aimed at deterring dangerous driving behaviour under the influence of drugs.
Legal Consequences of Drug Driving
Drug driving in the UK carries severe legal penalties that go beyond the initial punishment. If convicted, you face:
- A minimum 12-month driving ban
- An unlimited fine
- Up to 6 months in prison
- A criminal record
If convicted twice within 10 years, the driving ban increases to at least 3 years.
The consequences are even more severe if drug driving leads to causing death by dangerous driving, which can result in life imprisonment. The law applies a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA, while also setting limits for prescription drugs. Even if your driving isn’t visibly impaired, you can still be prosecuted if drugs are detected in your system above the legal limits.
Beyond these penalties, a drug driving conviction can have long-lasting effects on your life, including:
- Employment: A conviction will be visible to employers, potentially affecting job opportunities, especially for roles involving driving.
- Insurance: Car insurance premiums typically rise significantly following a drug driving conviction.
- Travel: Convictions can make it difficult to obtain visas, especially for countries like the USA.
- Professional Licenses: Certain professions may revoke licenses upon a conviction for drug driving.
Refusing to provide a sample for drug testing carries the same penalties as a conviction for drug driving, reflecting the seriousness with which the law views these offences.
UK Drug Driving Penalties
Penalties for drug driving are harsh and can have lasting consequences:
- A minimum 12-month driving ban
- An unlimited fine
- Up to 6 months in prison
- A criminal record
- 11-year endorsement on your driving license
For repeat offenders, the ban increases to a minimum of 3 years if convicted twice within 10 years. In cases of causing death while under the influence of drugs, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a driving ban lasting at least 5 years.
The severity of the punishment depends on factors such as the level of impairment and the type of drug involved. Other factors, such as the presence of alcohol or another drug, can increase the seriousness of the offence.
Roadside Drug Testing Procedures
In the UK, police use a two-step process to detect drug-impaired drivers. First, they conduct a field impairment test that may involve physical tests like walking in a straight line or touching the nose with a finger.
The second step involves a saliva test using roadside devices known as “drugalysers,” which detect the presence of drugs like cannabis and cocaine. If you fail this test, you will be arrested and taken to a police station for further testing, typically involving a blood or urine sample. Refusing to take a test is an offence and can lead to your arrest.
Impact of Drug Convictions on Employment
A drug driving conviction can severely impact employment, particularly in sectors that require driving or where criminal records are checked, such as jobs involving vulnerable groups or positions in law enforcement. Some professions may revoke licenses or bar individuals with drug convictions.
However, some employers are more open to hiring individuals with criminal records, including those with drug convictions. Companies such as Timpsons, Virgin Group, and Greggs actively support hiring ex-offenders.
Job seekers with drug convictions should be honest about their record, focus on rehabilitation, and seek roles where their conviction is less relevant. Over time, most convictions become “spent,” meaning they no longer need to be disclosed to most employers.
Insurance Premium Hikes
A drug driving conviction usually results in significantly higher insurance premiums. Drivers can expect their premiums to increase by over 100%, and some insurers may refuse to cover them altogether. Drivers must disclose any unspent convictions to their insurance provider, or risk having their policy invalidated.
Convicted drivers may need to seek specialist insurance providers, who may offer more competitive rates. Factors such as age, driving experience, and the type of vehicle also influence insurance costs.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Public awareness campaigns play a key role in educating people about the dangers of drug driving. The THINK! campaign, for example, highlights the risks and legal consequences of driving under the influence of drugs.
These campaigns often use television ads, social media, and public spaces to reach drivers, particularly those in venues where drug use is common. Law enforcement agencies collaborate with public health organizations to promote the message that drug driving is illegal and dangerous, and to encourage safe driving behaviour.
Through these initiatives, the UK aims to reduce drug-impaired driving and create a cultural shift similar to the one that has occurred with drink driving in recent decades.
