Drivers face driving licence 'revoked' by DVLA over roadside test 'one in two fail'
One in two drivers fail a major roadside test - putting them at risk of losing their driving licence to the DVLA. More than 3,000 cases of drug driving were recorded between 2013 and 2024, new figures show, amid fears of a "growing epidemic".
3,431 people were caught drug-driving on four or more occasions between 2013 and 2024, data shows. IAM RoadSmart policy manager William Porter said: "The fact that one in two motorists are failing roadside drugs tests shows that the message about the dangers of drug-driving is not getting through.
"We urgently need a new approach to combat drug-driving which focuses on both greater enforcement and establishing rehabilitation courses to reduce reoffending. The evidence shows that those taking equivalent drink-drive courses are almost three times less likely to reoffend than those who don't. Ministers must consider expanding similar courses to those with drug-driving convictions."
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He warned the report indicates "how vital it is to tackle this growing epidemic". Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has recently indicated that drug-driving rules could be strengthened as part of an upcoming government road safety strategy.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We take road safety extremely seriously and there are already strict penalties in place for those who are caught drug-driving. Our roads are among the safest in the world, but we are committed to improving road safety and reducing the number of those killed and injured on our roads.”
The police can stop you and make you do a ‘field impairment assessment’ if they think you’re on drugs. This is a series of tests, for example asking you to walk in a straight line. They can also use a roadside drug kit to screen for cannabis and cocaine.
If they think you’re unfit to drive because of taking drugs, you’ll be arrested and will have to take a blood or urine test at a police station. You could be charged with a crime if the test shows you’ve taken drugs.