Gardaí are now test car drivers and motorists for drugs on the roadside
It’s finally here. This new roadside test for drugs will allow An Garda Síochána to tackle the issue of drug driving. There will be 86 drug screening devices located in Garda stations nationally and 50 more available for use at the roadside. Over time up to 150 devices will be available for use at the roadside. This new screening device is an important tool for An Garda Síochána in the identification of drug drivers and they can tell in minutes if the driver has drugs in their system.
If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines under the advice of your doctor or pharmacist, and so long as those medicines don’t impair your driving, you have nothing to be concerned about. If you have any doubts please speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
The RSA put together a list of scenarios that you can view here. The also launched a video about the knock on life style effects it can have a drug driver. From the moment the driver steps out of the car you can see the reality of a drug driver. I found the video really educational and it’s definitely worth a watch. We want to keep people safe on our roads so please share this blog on social media.
Penalties for drug driving convictions
- a minimum 1-year driving disqualification if you are found to be above the legal threshold for cocaine, cannabis or heroin (since April 2017)
- a minimum of 4 years driving disqualification if you are found to have drugs in your body and are impaired to such an extent that you do not have proper control of a vehicle
- up to 6 months in prison
- up to €5,000 fine
RSA Drug Driving Video
image source: www.rsa.ie