Increase in drug driving charges

The total number of charges in England and Wales increased from 4,122 in 2015/16 to 9,270 in 2019/20.

The number of drug driving charges in England and Wales has risen to record levels in the last year. The significant rise in the number of charges was found after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to police forces by BookMyGarage.com to investigate the impact of new drug driving laws introduced five years ago.

Of the 27 police forces across England and Wales that responded, the total number of charges increased by 125%, from 4,122 in 2015/16 to 9,270 in 2019/20. Drug driving became a specific offence in 2015, meaning police could charge someone for drug driving if they had at least one of 16 specified drugs in their blood above a certain limit. Half of the 16 drugs listed are ‘medicinal’ and so drivers are just as likely to be prosecuted for having a legal drug in their system as they are an illegal drug while behind the wheel. Sixteen police forces also provided data on the number of drivers who had tested positive for drug driving at the roadside, with the cumulative number of positive tests in these areas more than tripling from 2,619 in 2015/16 to 9,074 in 2019/20. “Most people are aware of the ongoing problems surrounding drink driving but far fewer people know that drug driving is just as much of a problem. Motorists should be especially aware that the law doesn’t just apply to illegal drugs. Medicinal drugs, such as those prescribed to treat insomnia or even some pain killers, feature on the list so it’s crucial drivers always check their medication to see if it impairs their ability to drive.”