Drug driving/riding 

It is illegal to drive or ride if you are impaired by drugs. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as illicit substances such as cannabis or cocaine.

Police officers carry testing kits which they can use at the roadside for some illegal drugs. They may make you do a ‘field impairment test’ in which they will ask you to perform a series of tasks, such as walking in a straight line. If they think you are unfit to drive they can detain you for further blood or urine testing at a police station. 

It is the responsibility of the driver/rider to check whether their prescription or over-the-counter drugs can affect them. Always read the label on the packaging of any medicines you are taking. If in doubt speak with a doctor or pharmacist.

Talk to your doctor about whether you should drive if you’ve been prescribed any of the following drugs:

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

The penalties for drug driving/riding are the same as for drink driving/riding. If you are caught you may banned from driving, have points added on your licence, an unlimited fine, or even imprisonment. This will mean increased insurance costs, potential job loss and even restrictions on travel to other countries such as the United States.

More information about penalties for drug driving/riding can be found on the government and South Yorkshire Police websites.