Drug Drive Penalties
Drug Drive Penalties
Drug Driving Penalties
In the UK, drug driving is a serious crime and carries equally significant penalties. If you have been charged with drug driving by the police, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences you may face.
For immediate assistance, please contact one of our specialist drug driving solicitors today by calling 033 03411690 or completing a free online enquiry with no obligation to use us. Rest assured, all enquiries are completely confidential.
What Is Drug Driving?
In the UK, drug driving limits apply to 17 specific substances. While eight of these drugs are illegal, you may be surprised to learn that nine are legal prescription or over-the-counter medicines given by healthcare professionals.
Each of these 17 drugs has a designated legal limit, measured in micrograms per litre of blood, that you can have in your bloodstream while driving. If the police believe you are unfit to drive due to being over the legal limit, you can be arrested and charged with a drug driving offence.
To learn more about the specific drugs and their limits, please refer to our detailed resource on ‘What Is the Drug Drive Limit in England and Wales?’
“Hi Abdul, I would like to thank you and your team for looking after me after been charged with Drink Driving, from the initial contact with Nancy to speaking to you and especially Keiran who represented me in court, who I can’t thank enough. When I thought there was no hope you and Kieran sorted what I thought was a hopeless case. I would strongly recommend you to anyone in the same position. Again thank you to you and your team.”
What Are The Drug Driving Penalties In The UK?
Let’s take a closer look at the potential consequences you could face if charged with drug driving.
1) Mandatory Minimum 12-month Drug Driving Ban
If you are found guilty of drug driving, the court must impose a minimum driving ban of at least 12 months. However, if there are any aggravating factors, such as speeding in a busy city area, this ban can be increased to up to three years.
While some may perceive a driving ban as a minor consequence, it can pose significant challenges, especially for those whose livelihoods depend on driving.
2) An Unlimited Fine
The court is also likely to impose a financial penalty. While the fine can theoretically be unlimited, it is typically subject to the following constraints:
- Limited to £5000 – This is the highest amount a magistrates' court can impose.
- Income-Based Assessment – The fine is usually calculated based on your income, generally amounting to one to two weeks' wages.
This unexpected monetary demand can significantly burden your financial situation regardless of the specific amount.
3) Up To Six Months In Prison
In the most severe cases, the court may impose a custodial sentence on top of other drug driving penalties. While imprisonment is not a guaranteed part of the sentence, it is possible, particularly when aggravating factors are present or if you have prior similar offences on your record.
4) A Criminal Record
When convicted of drug driving, you will gain a criminal record. You must disclose it to current and potential employers, which can hinder your job prospects or complicate career changes. Additionally, a criminal record can pose challenges when travelling to certain countries, such as the USA, where you may be denied entry.
5) An 11-Year Endorsement On Your Driving Licence
Your drug driving record will remain on your driving licence for the next 11 years. Naturally, this can have significant consequences for any employment that involves driving.
It also means that when you’re finally back behind the wheel after your drug driving ban, you can expect significantly higher car insurance costs, as insurers will view you as a higher risk.
Reduce Your Drug Driving Penalties – Consult Expert Solicitors Today
As outlined, drug driving penalties can be life-altering, impacting not only your ability to drive but also various aspects of your personal and professional life. If facing this charge, act swiftly and seek expert legal representation.
Parnell and Peel Solicitors have a 95% success rate in overturning or reducing drug driving bans for clients nationwide, reflected in our glowing client testimonials and case studies. To find out how we can help you achieve similar results, please contact our team by calling 033 03411690 or making a free online enquiry. All enquiries will be kept entirely confidential.
“Hi Abdul, I would like to thank you and your team for looking after me after been charged with Drink Driving, from the initial contact with Nancy to speaking to you and especially Keiran who represented me in court, who I can’t thank enough. When I thought there was no hope you and Kieran sorted what I thought was a hopeless case. I would strongly recommend you to anyone in the same position. Again thank you to you and your team.”