Charity IAM RoadSmart has obtained official data about drug driving offences across England and Wales. The statistics, acquired through a Freedom of Information request, indicate a dramatic rise in the number of offences committed.
Currently, drivers are tested for drugs using roadside saliva tests. Even if these show positive, the drivers are allowed to continue driving until the results of laboratory blood tests have been returned.
A survey of 2,053 drivers, conducted by IAM RoadSmart in August 2025, showed that 83% of those questioned would support the introduction of new powers allowing police to suspend a licence immediately should a roadside test show positive.
Drug driving offences have risen sharply in recent years. A total of 20,072 drivers in England and Wales were sentenced for drug driving offences in 2024, which is an increase of 143% on the 2017 figures.
The huge levels of reoffending are of particular concern. In 2024, authorities recorded 3,193 cases of reoffending, compared with only 1,363 in 2020. Around 44% of all drug driving offences are committed by repeat offenders.
IAM RoadSmart Policy, Public Affairs, and Communications Manager William Porter has expressed the need for better rehabilitation programmes for drug driving offenders, providing targeted support to help them break ingrained patterns of behaviour. Without such support, the high levels of reoffending will likely continue.
If you are being investigated for any driving offence, including careless or inconsiderate driving, drug driving or dangerous driving, solicitors at Auriga Advocates are here to help. Get in touch as soon as possible to receive expert legal support.