New government legislation relating to drug-driving has come into force. And, while this is welcome news regarding those driving under the influence of illegal drugs, motorists should be aware that legal prescription drugs are also affected by these new laws.<\/p>\n
What is the new law?<\/b><\/p>\n
The new laws set limits on a number of drugs, both illegal and prescription, that a driver can have in his or her blood stream before being deemed over the limit.<\/p>\n
What is the current legislation?<\/b><\/p>\n
Currently the legislation states that drivers have to be proven to be impaired while driving. However, the new law alters this as it is the presence of drugs in the bloodstream that\u00a0matters, not whether a driver is impaired or not.<\/p>\n
How will the law be enforced?<\/b><\/p>\n
As with the current laws, police will be able to stop drivers who appear to be driving unsafely or abnormally. Police forces nationwide are being issued with new roadside testing kits which have been dubbed \u2018drugalysers\u2019 and which are able to check for illegal as well as legal drugs in a person\u2019s system.<\/p>\n
What does this mean if I\u2019ve taken a prescription drug?<\/b><\/p>\n
In most cases it won\u2019t mean a thing. As pointed out on\u00a0Motors.co.uk, following the prescribed doses should mean you will be within the new limits. However, if you are worried, then it is recommended to see a pharmacist or your doctor for confirmation of doses.<\/p>\n
Who is likely to fall foul of the new legislation?<\/b><\/p>\n