Changes to the Drug Driving Law
From today (2 March 2015) the drug driving law has changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers. It is 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.
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, drivers will receive:
A minimum 12-month driving ban
A criminal record
A fine of up to £5000 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