Driving , Drugs , and the Law : Understanding Rule 96
Absolute Prohibition on Impaired Driving
You must not drive under the influence of drugs or medicine if they impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely .
THE GOLDEN RULE OF IMPAIRMENT
Consult Medical Professionals
Always check with a doctor or pharmacist regarding your medication ; if they advise that you may be impaired , do not drive .
ILLEGAL DRUGS VS. PRESCRIBED MEDICINES
Strict Limits for Illegal Substances: Limits for illegal drugs are set at very low levels , meaning even smail amounts of use can lead to a criminal offense .
Unpredictable and Fatal Risks
Drug effects are unpredictable and can be more severe than alcchol , often resulting in fatal or serious road crashes .
Higher Thresholds for Medicines: Medicinal limits are generally set higher than the blood concentrations found in patients taking normal therapeutic doses .
Statutory Medical Defence
A legal defense exists if you are over the limit due to a legitimately prescribed or supplied high dose of medicine .
LEGAL PROTECTIONS & THE MEDICAL DEFENCE
The Requirement of Non - Impairment
The medical defense only applies if your driving was not impaired by the medicine , regardless of the concentration in your blood .
Legal Basis : RTA 1988: These regulations and defenses are established under Sections 4 and 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 .