Drug driving

Drugs

Section 5A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, inserted by the Crime and Courts Act 2013, makes it an offence to drive or be in charge of a motor vehicle with a specified controlled drug in the blood above a specified limit. The limits are prescribed in regulations. Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 retains the broader offence of driving while impaired by drink or drugs.

In practice

Officers may use a drug wipe (preliminary drug test) at the roadside under section 6C of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to screen for cannabis and cocaine. A positive result requires the person to provide a blood or urine sample at the police station or hospital. Officers may also rely on observations of impairment. The evidential blood or urine test is conducted by a healthcare professional.

Related terms

Reasonable grounds
Arrest

Last updated 12 October 2026