List of prescription drugs that could see you banned from driving

List of prescription drugs that could see you banned from driving Driving while unfit due to drugs is against the law in the UK - even if the medication has been prescribed by your doctor Drivers could find themselves banned from the roads if they get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs - even if those drugs are entirely legal and have been prescribed by their GP. While most people are well aware that drink-driving or driving under the influence of illegal substances is a criminal offence, many motorists may be completely unaware that their lawfully prescribed medication could also land them in serious trouble under certain circumstances. Gov.uk advice reads: "Legal drugs are prescription or over-the-counter medicines. If you're taking them and not sure if you should drive, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional." Officers can pull you over and require you to undertake a 'field impairment assessment'. If they believe you are unfit to drive as a result of drug use, you will be arrested and required to provide a blood or urine sample at a police station. It is absolutely crucial to establish whether any medication you are taking affects your ability to drive safely. If convicted of drug-driving, you could face a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine. In more serious cases, offenders could be handed a six-month custodial sentence and a criminal record. On top of that, your driving licence will display a drug-driving conviction, which remains on record for 11 years. In the most extreme circumstances, causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs can carry a life imprisonment sentence. A drug driving conviction can cause your car insurance premiums to rocket. It could also create problems in the workplace if your role involves getting behind the wheel, as your employer will be able to see the conviction on your licence. On top of that, you may face difficulties travelling to certain countries, such as the USA. If you have been prescribed medication, you can speak directly to your doctor about how it might affect your ability to drive. Alternatively, most medicines come with an information leaflet or health guidance on the packaging that may warn you of the risks associated with driving while taking them. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if you have been prescribed any of the following medications: - amphetamine, for example dexamphetamine or selegiline - lorazepam - oxazepam - morphine or opiate and opioid-based drugs - diazepam - methadone - temazepam - flunitrazepam - clonazepam You are permitted to drive after taking these drugs if you've been prescribed them and followed advice on how to take them by a healthcare professional, and they are not causing you to be unfit to drive even if you're above the specified limits. Full details on government regulations surrounding drugs and driving can be found here.