![\"Some](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_GettyImages-2103963486.jpg\")
Some prescription drugs could lead drivers to a hefty fine or even a driving ban(Image: Peter Carruthers\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nLegal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicinesSome prescription drugs could lead drivers to a hefty fine or even a driving ban(Image: Peter Carruthers\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Some prescription drugs could lead drivers to a hefty fine or even a driving ban. The Government said it\u2019s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving<\/a>.<\/p>\n It’s also an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs<\/a> in your blood and you have not been prescribed them, even if they have not affected your driving. Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines.<\/p>\n The Government urged anyone who isn’t sure if they should drive while taking prescription drugs to talk to a doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional. The police can stop you and make you do a “field impairment assessment” if they think you\u2019re on drugs<\/a>.<\/p>\n This is a series of tests, for example asking you to walk in a straight line. They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.<\/p>\n If police think you\u2019re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you\u2019ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station. You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you\u2019ve taken drugs.<\/p>\n If you take any of the following prescription medicines, you should talk to a doctor about whether it is safe to continue driving:<\/p>\n amphetamine, for example dexamphetamine or selegilineclonazepamdiazepamflunitrazepamlorazepammethadonemorphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs, for example codeine, tramadol or fentanyloxazepamtemazepam<\/p>\n Drivers <\/a>can continue using their vehicles after taking the drugs if they have been prescribed them and followed advice for how to to take them by a healthcare professional and they are not unfit to drive as a result of the medication.<\/p>\n You could be prosecuted if you drive with certain levels of drugs in your body and have not been prescribed them.<\/p>\n According to the government website, penalties for drug driving include a minimum of one year driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison and a criminal record.<\/p>\n Driving licenses will also show you have been convicted of drug driving.<\/p>\n Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here<\/a>. Follow us on X<\/a> @LivECHONews<\/a> or on Bluesky @liverpoolecho.co.uk <\/a>– official Liverpool ECHO accounts – real news in real time<\/a>.<\/p>\n We’re also on Facebook\/theliverpoolecho<\/a> – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.<\/p>\n Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n