Drug Driving
The law on drug driving, otherwise known as driving whilst unfit, is a lot less defined than drink driving and, as a result, it is important to seek advice from a law firm at the earliest opportunity. At Seatons, our team of expert specialists have a wealth of experience to help assist on this area of law and provide bespoke legal advice at low sensible fees.
Please contact us about your motoring offence on 01536 276300 or use our online enquiry form.
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Drug Driving – Definition
Whilst the term ‘drugs’ relates to illegal drugs such as cocaine and cannabis, it also relates to prescribed medication which, if taken, affects the driver’s ability to drive the vehicle. For example, if a diabetic took an incorrect dose of insulin to the point that they are incapable of driving, they could be charged with driving under the influence of a drug.
In addition, unlike drink driving, there is no definite legal drug driving limit. In order to secure a conviction therefore, the Crown must prove:
• That the person was unfit to drive;
• Through drugs; and
• Their driving was impaired.
Impairment
To assess if a driver’s ability has been impaired, the Police administer a Field Impairment Test (FIT). This is a five stage test and involves:
• Testing the size of your pupils;
• Testing balance and judgement;
• Walking and turning;
• Standing on one leg; and
• Placing your finger on your nose.
Statistics show however that the number of drug driving offencescommitted in the UK is still relatively low, and this is, in part, down to the potential inaccuracies of this test. A windy day, for example, can significantly affect a person’s ability to balance on one leg. As a result, it is important to instruct a firm of legal specialists at the earliest opportunity to investigate the circumstances of the FIT test along with any additional factors.
Penalties
Following a conviction for drug driving, the court must impose a disqualification from driving for a minimum of twelve months along with a fine of up to £5000.
Depending on the circumstances, the Court could also impose:
• A maximum prison sentence of six months.
• A Community Order.
• An extended retest.
• A disqualification from driving for a minimum of 36 months if you have previously been convicted of the offences in the last 10 years.
For more advice in relation to an accusation of drug driving/driving whilst unfit, give us a call on 01536 276300 and get a quote.
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Call our Corby office on 01536 276300 or our Kettering office on 01536 311690 today or contact us online.