Drug-impaired driving
Drug-impaired driving, or drug driving, in the context of its legal definition, is the act of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance. DUID, or Driving Under the Influence of Drugs, is prohibited in many countries. Several American states and European countries now have "per se" DUID laws that presume a driver is impaired if they are found to have any detectable quantity of controlled substances in their body while operating an automobile and that the driver has no doctor's prescription for the substance. This is similar to the "per se" DUI/DWI laws that presume a driver is impaired when their blood alcohol content is above a certain level (currently 0.08% in most of the United States and 0.05% in Utah). There is some controversy with "per se" DUID laws in that a driver with any detectable quantity of controlled substances may not in fact be impaired and the detectable quantity in blood or sweat may be only the remnants of drug use in days or weeks past. It is against road traffic safety. Research on factors associated with engaging in DUID is receiving increasing attention to develop more effective countermeasures.[1]
For other uses of "DUID", see DHCPv6 § DHCP_unique_identifier.United Kingdom[edit]
Recent UK legislation effective 2 March 2015 has introduced a series of new offences into the realm of road traffic law.[42] The government has sought to tackle the belated increased number of drivers operating vehicles with a high measure of proscribed and prescribed drugs in their system. The new offences detail at least 8 illegal drugs and 8 legally prescribed drugs, which have been given set levels to be tested. Illegal drugs will have a 'trace' level set that would constitute a criminal offence.
Drivers who are taking legally prescribed medication will be required to closely follow their doctor's and drug manufacturer's guidance when taking the medication. If the driver is found to be carrying more than the set levels in their system, outside of the set guidelines, they will be guilty of an offence under the new rules.
Hong Kong[edit]
Deterring drug-driving is one of the work priorities of the Police.[43] The Court may disqualify the driver for life.[44]
Driving under the influence of drugs "to an extent as to be incapable of having proper control" is illegal.[45] The Police may require suspects to undergo an objective (at the police station) Impairment Test.[46] Suspects who fail the test shall surrender their driving licence for 24 hours.
Regarding common drugs, the Road Safety Council reminds drivers to check the side effects before driving.[47] The law prohibits driving with any concentration of illicit drugs: heroin, cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, cannabis and MDMA.[48]
New Zealand[edit]
The Land Transport Act 1998 makes it illegal for New Zealanders to drive or attempt to drive "while impaired and their blood contains evidence of use of qualifying drug".[49] The definition of impaired is defined as being under the influence "to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle".[50]
'Qualifying drugs' include Class A drugs such as heroin, LSD and methamphetamine; Class B drugs such as amphetamines (speed), morphine and opium; and some Class C drugs, such as cannabis and BZP (the psychoactive ingredient in most illegal "party pills");
prescription medicines.[51]