Post date: 04-Feb-2015 19:27:55

We're all aware of the drink-driving limits in the UK, but are you as clued up on the new drug-driving limits?

Police can already prosecute motorists caught driving under the influence of drugs, including medicinal drugs. But the new rules, which are set to come into force next month (2nd March 2015), introduce specified limits for 16 drugs, similar to what we have with alcohol.

The Government decided against a zero limit as certain medicinal drugs can be absorbed in the body and produce trace effects.

They also didn't want to risk penalising drivers for accidental exposure to drugs, such as inhaling cannabis smoke in a public place.

So, what's on the list?

Illegal drugs

1. Benzoylecgonine (cocaine) - 50 micrograms per litre of blood (µg/L)

2. Cocaine - 10µg/L

3. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis and cannabinol) - 2µg/L

4. Ketamine - 20µg/L

5. LSD - 1µg/L

6. Methylamphetamine - 10µg/L

7. MDMA (ecstasy) - 10µg/L

8. Heroin and diamorphine - 5µg/L

Prescription drugs

9. Clonazepam (used to treat seizures and panic disorder) - 50µg/L

10. Diazepam (anti-anxiety) - 550µg/L

11. Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol - sedative) - 300µg/L

12. Lorazepam (anti-anxiety) - 100µg/L

13. Methadone (heroin substitute) - 500µg/L

14. Morphine (pain relief) - 80µg/L

15. Oxazepam (anti-anxiety) - 300µg/L

16. Temazepam (anti-anxiety and sedative) - 1,000µg/L

17. The legal drink-drive limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood - the equivalent of 800,000 micrograms per litre.

The limits for the majority of prescription drugs are above the normal doses; the new legislation will give police the power to test and arrest motorists who are suspected of driving over the new levels.

Unlike the existing 'impairment' offence, the new law provides a medical defence if you're taking a prescription in accordance with medical instructions - provided, of course, you're not impaired.

Penalties for drug-driving

If you're convicted of drug-driving you'll get:

A minimum one-year driving ban

A fine up to £5,000

A criminal record

Your driving licence will also show a conviction for drug-driving and it will stay on there for 11 years.

A conviction for drug-driving also means you may not be able to get car insurance; Admiral and its sister companies will not cover anyone who has been found guilty of a drug-driving offence.

If you have a driving job your employer will see the conviction on your licence and you may have trouble travelling to certain countries, such as the USA.

If you drive and take prescription medicine, it may be helpful to keep evidence of this with you in case you're stopped by police.

Courtesy of Admiral Car Insurance newsletter to members who have excellent motoring insurance rates with them. 2 cars insured for the price of 1!

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