Motorists across the country could face a driving ban plus an unlimited fine for taking their medication. While it's common knowledge that it's illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, many may not be aware that they're legal, prescribed medication could also land them in a lot of trouble in some circumstances.

Official guidance states legal drugs are those that are prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional or over-the-counter medicines. Some people may need to take legal drugs to help manage a health condition or short-term infection. It's important to check though whether these drugs impare your ability to drive.

If police believe that you're are on drugs while driving, legal or otherwise, they can pull you over and make you do a field impairment assessment. This includes a number of tests to see if you're fit to drive and could include things such as walking in a straight line under their supervision.

If you are found to be driving while under the influence of drugs, you could face a driving ban of at least one year and an unlimited fine. In more serious cases, you could be slapped with a six months prison sentence as well as a criminal record.

Furthermore, your driving licence will show that you have been convicted for drug driving which will stay on there for 11 years. In the most serious case, you could cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs, which carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

A conviction for drug driving can also skyrocket the cost of your car insurance. And it could cause issues with employment if you drive for work as your employer will be able to see the conviction on your licence.

What if I'm not sure if my medication affects my driving?

If you have been prescribed a drug you can ask your doctor directly if you should drive while taking them. Otherwise, most medications will include a leaflet or health information on the packet which may inform you of the risks of driving while taking the medication.

The government also highlights that you should talk to you doctor if you have been prescribed the following medications:

  • temazepam
  • methadone
  • amphetamine, for example dexamphetamine or selegiline
  • clonazepam
  • diazepam
  • oxazepam
  • lorazepam
  • flunitrazepam
  • morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, for example codeine, tramadol or fentanyl

Full details on government regulation surrounding drugs and driving can be found here.