Many of us were glued to our TV screens for the most recent series of ‘Line of Duty’ with around 12 million viewers watching the final episode.
As ever, the storyline of endemic police corruption went through the usual contorted twists and turns as we empathised with the lead characters who have been getting under our skin for 10 years.
Over that time, we have got to know their individual back stories and personal challenges – and an emerging subplot for Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, was his developing addiction for over-the-counter painkillers.
His need for pain relief followed a severe back injury caused when he was thrown down some stairs back in season four. He was first confined to a wheelchair, but is now able to walk again – although he still has after effects including chronic pain.
In the most recent series, we watched him popping pills, haunting pharmacies to buy drug supplies and also glimpsed his kitchen cabinet stacked with packs of ibuprofen /codeine. He is finally forced to confront his problem (the routine drug test which he has tried to avoid gets a red flag with occupational health) and ‘voluntarily’ returns his gun licence …. although nothing is said about him continuing to drive.
So, are there hazards to be aware of when taking prescription or over the counter drugs and driving? Well yes, there are dangers, and often they’re detailed in the small print on the paperwork that comes with the medications.
There are many specific drugs that warn against driving or ‘operating heavy machinery’ while taking them – including antihistamines which are commonly used at this time of year to combat hay fever symptoms. People also need to be aware that if they take a combination of medications, there can be a compound effect – and even more so if they add recreational drugs or alcohol into the mix.
The key thing is to take advice if you have any concerns: ask your doctor or health professional if you are worried about the effects of any particular medication or combination of drugs. You may want to ask specifically about possible impact on coordination or concentration. And of course, if you feel unwell…maybe sleepy or with brain fog, please do not drive.
Information about the legal limits of many common medicines can be found on our website at www.roadtrafficdefencelawyers.engagewebdesign.co.uk – as well as related details about possible charges, penalties and procedures.
In short, there are two types of offence:
The first is being over the prescribed limit of certain (generally prescription) drugs, as listed under Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The drugs and limits are as follows:
- Clonazepam, 50 µg/L
- Diazepam, 550 µg/L
- Flunitrazepam, 300 µg/L
- Lorazepam, 100 µg/L
- Methadone, 500 µg/L
- Morphine, 80 µg/L
- Oxazepam, 300 µg/L
- Temazepam, 1000 µg/L
There is a defence for this if you did not have any warning that you must not drive either in the literature or by your GP.
However, this defence does NOT apply to the other ‘catch-all’ offence under Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which is ‘driving whilst unfit through drugs (prescription or illegal),’
This can be difficult to prove and requires blood analysis and medical assessments, but remember, even if your medication isn’t specifically listed in legislation, you can still be charged and convicted of an offence.
And the penalties can be heavy: they are the same for both offences and include unlimited fines and a mandatory disqualification of a minimum of 12 months. If there are aggravating factors, such as being involved in an accident, or committing other motoring offences at the same time, penalties can involve community orders and even prison.
That’s why if you’re facing any kind of driving offence involving drugs (prescription or otherwise), you’ll probably need professional help to defend yourself. Contact us early – at the time of any notice of intended prosecution – and we can offer advice and support, even defend your case in court if necessary. That could ultimately be the difference between keeping or losing a licence or your liberty….
Our initial call is free so it will cost you nothing to find out if we can help.
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