Drug Driving Penalty Calculator
Estimate your sentence based on the drug found and UK Sentencing Council guidelines.
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Step 1 of 4 25%
Step 1 of 4
Which drug were you over the limit for?
Select the drug shown on your charge sheet or analysis report. All limits are blood readings under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Legal blood limit
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Step 2 of 4
Did any higher culpability factor apply?
Drug levels do not map directly to sentencing categories. The guideline focuses on culpability and harm.
Step 3 of 4
Have you been convicted of drink or drug driving in the last 10 years?
A previous DR conviction within 10 years results in a minimum 36-month ban.
Step 4 of 4
Was there evidence of greater harm or aggravating factors?
Select all that apply. Impairment and unacceptable driving affect the category; the other factors can move the sentence within the range.
None apply? Click "Calculate" to continue.
Estimated sentence
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driving disqualification
Sentencing category
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Custody risk
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Criminal record
Yes
Stays on DVLA record 11 years
Medical defence?
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the Sentencing Council's Magistrates' Court Sentencing Guidelines for drug driving offences. Actual sentences depend on individual circumstances, personal mitigation, and the court's discretion. The medical defence assessment is indicative only — consult a solicitor to determine whether it applies to your situation. Results do not constitute legal advice.
Charged with drug driving? Read about how Scarsdale Solicitors defend drug driving cases, including challenging blood results and the statutory medical defence.
Frequently asked questions
What is the drug driving limit for cannabis in the UK?
The legal limit for cannabis (delta-9-THC) is 2 micrograms per litre of blood. This is a low limit set to rule out accidental exposure; prosecutors do not have to prove impairment for a s.5A charge. Sentencing is not decided simply by how many times over the limit the reading was.
Can I use a medical defence for drug driving?
Yes, if the drug was lawfully prescribed or supplied for medical or dental purposes, you took it in accordance with medical advice or accompanying instructions, and your driving was not impaired. If the drug was taken recreationally, this defence is not available.
How long is a drug driving ban?
A first conviction carries a minimum 12-month disqualification. Guideline ranges are 12–16 months for Category 3, 17–28 months for Category 2, and 29–36 months for Category 1. A second relevant conviction within 10 years carries a minimum 36-month ban.
Can you challenge a drug driving blood result?
Yes. Challenges include: errors in the procedure for taking or storing the blood sample, failure to offer a split sample (you are entitled to half the specimen for independent analysis), chain-of-custody issues, laboratory accreditation problems, and cross-reactivity of legal substances in the blood test. These challenges require specialist scientific and legal expertise.
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