If you’ve been caught or accused of driving under the influence of drugs, like cannabis, cocaine, or even strong prescription meds, the consequences can be serious. In most cases, you’ll lose your licence for at least 12 months. That’s why it’s important to get legal help as soon as possible.
At Scarsdale Solicitors, our specialist drug driving solicitors in London have helped many clients deal with charges like these. Here are the key facts you need to know about drug driving:
How Drug Driving Laws Work
Before 2015, police could only arrest you for drug driving if they believed your driving was affected. They might have noticed the smell of cannabis, or seen that your pupils were wide, or your reactions were slow, and that you were generally suspicious. That was enough for them to take action, but it was based mostly on judgment.
Now, the law is much stricter.
Since March 2015, it’s illegal to drive with even tiny amounts of certain drugs in your system. And it doesn’t matter whether your driving is affected or not. This includes both illegal drugs and some prescription ones. But this shouldn’t be the case.
Is There a Limit for Drug Driving?
Yes. And the limits are very low. For most illegal drugs, even a small amount in your system is enough to land you in trouble.
For example:
- Smoking one joint of cannabis could still put you over the legal limit the next morning.
- Some drugs take longer to leave your body, so the risk of accidentally failing a test is high.
Police can now test you at the roadside using a drug testing kit, just like they do with drink driving.
Which Drugs Are Covered by the Law?
The law includes several illegal drugs, such as:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Ketamine
It also includes some prescription drugs, like:
- Diazepam
- Morphine
- Methadone
- Temazepam
If you’re taking any medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about whether it’s safe to drive. Even medicine prescribed by your GP could lead to a drug driving charge if it affects your ability to drive safely.
Penalties for Drug Driving in London
If you’re found guilty of drug driving, the penalties are severe:
- A minimum 12-month driving ban
- An unlimited fine
- Up to 6 months in prison
- A criminal record
In more serious cases, you might face even tougher punishments, especially if:
- You were also over the alcohol limit
- You had more than one drug in your system
- You were driving dangerously
- You were driving a heavy goods vehicle for work
- The offence happened near a school or with passengers in the car
Things That Could Help Your Case (Mitigating Factors)
The court may go easier on you if:
- You’ve never been in trouble before
- You show genuine remorse
- You only drove a short distance
- You were dealing with a real emergency
- You have mental health issues
- You’re the main carer for someone who depends on you
Can I Defend Myself Against a Drug Driving Charge?
Yes. And in some cases, there may be a valid medical defence.
You might have a strong case if:
- The drug was prescribed or legally supplied
- You took it exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist
- You didn’t know it would affect your ability to drive
Every situation is different, so speaking with an experienced drug driving solicitor in London is crucial.
Contact Scarsdale Solicitors – London Drug Driving Defence Experts
If you have been charged with a drug driving offence, the best thing to do is act quickly and contact Scarsdale Solicitors:
Phone: 0161 660 6050
Address: Reed House, Unit 1 & Unit 3, 3-4 Hunters Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1YL
Website:www.scarsdalesolicitors.com
Book a Consultation: [Book Online]
Email: info@scarsdalesolicitors.com
