New Drug Drive Laws: What GPs Need to Know

Our roads are now a safer place thanks to the introduction of new drug driving laws.

Since March 2015 it has become illegal to drive with more than a specified amount of some controlled drugs in the blood.  

As the law allows for a medical defence for those taking prescribed medications, GPs need to ensure they understand the new laws so that they can communicate clearly with patients about the impact of taking certain drugs when driving.

At Locum Select we like to keep our doctors up to date with the latest news so here’s our brief rundown of everything GPs need to know about the new laws:

1. Medication Evidence – the first thing GPs need to be aware of is that patients may ask for written confirmation of the drugs they are prescribed, in case they should be stopped by police.  They may also want to know the impact of the medication on their ability to drive.  This shouldn’t change the way medication is prescribed but you will have to ensure that patients have the appropriate information, such as the side effects of the drugs they are taking.
2. Which medication? – there are two groups of medications covered by the new drug drive offence – recreational drugs, which have been set at a low level and licensed medications, for which higher levels are acceptable in the blood stream. Commonly used recreational drugs may include:
   
   • Cannabis
   • Heroin
   • Cocaine
   • Ketamine
   • LSD
   
   Licensed medications covered by the new laws include:
   
   • Benzodiazepines (e.g. clonazepam, oxazepam and diazepam)
   • Methadone
   • Morphine
    
3. Medical Defence – if the police suspect a driver is unfit to drive they can stop them at the roadside to screen saliva for the presence of drugs.  A positive result will most likely lead to blood tests to determine whether drug levels are above the new legal limits.  If the individual is taking medication for therapeutic purposes they can raise a medical defence.  As a GP you should be clear on your duty and disclose only the necessary information.
4. Document advice – The MDU advises that GPs document advice given to patients about their medication, in particular advice about driving while taking medication.
5. Communicate with patients – it is important to understand whether patients are taking more drugs than they are being prescribed.  If you suspect this, or they are ordering repeat prescriptions too frequently it would be prudent to discuss their fitness to drive and ensure everything is documented.

If you need further information on the drug drive offence you can contact the MDU.