In the UK, drivers who are caught operating a vehicle after taking a certain combination of drugs may face severe penalties. An authority in the field warned that if a motorist has taken any of the medications on the list, they should not drive. Under some circumstances, a person may face a fine of $1,000 (about $1342) or possibly face legal action.
Driving people were cautioned by Greg Wilson, the founder of Quotezone’s auto insurance division. Wilson advised anyone using any of the medications on the list to abstain from driving altogether.
He continued by outlining how these individuals might face charges for operating a vehicle while under the influence of these drugs in an interview with Birmingham Live. According to the expert, it is likely that you will be advised not to drive if you are on strong medications.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, a representative for the Road Safety Charity described how these drugs could impair a person’s ability to drive. According to them, a lot of over-the-counter and prescription drugs make it difficult to drive safely.
When using these drugs, a person may feel sleepy, have trouble concentrating, coordinating, or even have vision issues. A person’s reaction time may also be impacted by the mediations.
DVLA warning: Drivers using three common prescription drugs may be banned.
July 24, 2025, The Chronicle (@ChronicleLive)
The cautions for these symptoms are on the prescription bottles, although they are frequently in very small font. Field experts point out that the warning is frequently displayed in small or ambiguous print, making it difficult to see. According to an expert, they can suggest that there is a chance of impairment but not necessarily link it to driving.
They emphasize that the user may be left to assess their own degree of disability, which can be challenging. Typically, the three most often utilized medications are tranquillizers, opioid painkillers, and some forms of antidepressants.
Wilson advises against driving if a patient is taking any drugs that make them drowsy or that prevent them from operating heavy gear. According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, it is illegal for someone to use legal substances while driving in order to cause impairments. Wales, Scotland, and England are all subject to the same rule.
According to Gov.uk, failing to disclose to the DVLA that you have a medical condition that interferes with your ability to drive might result in a $1,000 punishment. If someone is engaged in an automobile accident while intoxicated, they may potentially be prosecuted.
Drivers who use any of these three prevalent drugs may be prohibited from driving: https://t.co/VZl8jlr6X4
July 22, 2025, The Daily Record (@Daily_Record)
If a driver is taking any of the medications above, the UK government website advises them to consult their doctor before operating a motor vehicle. Drugs similar amphetamine, such as selegiline or dextroamphetamine, are listed on the page.
The list also includes methadone, oxazepam, temazepam, lorazepam, diazepam, flunitrazepam, and clonazepam. The official list also includes opiate or morphine and opioid-based substances like fentanyl, codeine, or tramadol.
