Motorists could face fines over driving while using nine common medications

17 November 2023 , 13:04

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Always consult a doctor if you're unsure when taking medication before you drive (Image: Getty Images)

Driving in the colder seasons can be tricky, with icy roads, frosted windscreens and flat batteries but even a common cold could land you in trouble, say experts.

Some medications, including everyday painkillers like those containing Codeine, can affect your driving due to side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. To help reduce accidents, experts say you should always consult a doctor before taking your vehicle out.

Failing to inform the DVLA about certain medical conditions and prescriptions could result in a hefty £1,000 fine. The RAC website warns: "Many legal medicines and widely-used painkillers could impair your driving and it's an offence in England, Scotland, and Wales to drive with specified limits of certain drugs in your blood.

"Drivers convicted for drug-driving face a minimum one-year ban and a criminal record so it pays to be vigilant when using even common prescription drugs.

"You can also receive an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and your driving licence will also show you've been convicted for drug driving for the next 11 years. The maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving under the influence of drugs is life imprisonment."

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The government recommends consulting a doctor before driving on any of these medications:

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

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Sophie Roberts