NEW UK LAW COMES INTO FORCE FOR DRUG DRIVERS

New UK drug driving laws which came into force this month are billed as the greatest shake-up for 85 years.  Adding to the current offences of being under the influence of drink and drugs, it is now illegal to drive with certain specified drugs in the bloodstream or to drive above a prescribed limit with certain other drugs.

Stockport based C&C Insurance Brokers are warning that the new legislation will give police the power to test and arrest motorists who are suspected of driving over the new levels. With a minimum of a 1 year ban, points on your licence lasting 11 years, a criminal record and a fine of up to £5,000, conviction is highly likely to affect future insurance premiums.

Drugs affected by the new laws are:

Prescription drugs

• Clonazepam (used to treat seizures and panic disorder)
• Diazepam (anti-anxiety)
• Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol – sedative)
• Lorazepam (anti-anxiety)
• Methadone (heroin substitute)
• Morphine (pain relief)
• Oxazepam (anti-anxiety)
• Temazepam (anti-anxiety and sedative)

Illegal drugs

• Benzoylecgonine (cocaine)
• Cocaine
• Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis and cannabinol)
• Ketamine
• LSD
• Methylamphetamine
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• Heroin and diamorphine

Businesses need to rethink their policies …

Businesses will need to think about whether they should carry out random internal drugs testing in order to reduce the risks of sending their employees/drivers out on to the roads whilst under the influence of drugs. It will be essential that all employers review their current policies and procedures and have a policy in place highlighting the consequences should an employee refuse to be tested or fail a random test.

It should be brought to the attention of all drivers that the new law could result in them losing their job if they are caught breaking the law. Employers should highlight this as part of their occupational road risk management plan and to forewarn all employers of the outcome if caught driving under the influence of drugs.

A number of insurers have already refused to cover anyone who has been found guilty of a drug-driving offence and many others are likely to follow. A convicted driver will therefore become uninsurable and with a criminal record travelling to the US and other countries will become problematic.