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Drug Driving

Raising awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs. 

This campaign in association with An Garda Síochána aims to raise awareness of the consequences for a driver who drives under the influence of drugs.

Never use drugs and drive 

In our TV ad, we see a young man at a Garda checkpoint about to be tested for drug driving.  

As he waits for the Garda to walk to his car, he plays a series of conversations in his head that highlights the consequences of him deciding to drive under the influence of drugs.  

He loses his job, his girlfriend, he can’t take that trip he planned, he is disqualified from driving for four years so he can’t collect his daughter from school. We see the disappointment in his friend, brother and parents. And all of this could have been avoided. 

Radio 

Included in the audio for this campaign is a 40” radio edit that is a recording on a real Garda recalling what it is like to call to a family home to tell them that their loved one has been killed in a road traffic collision. This harrowing edit is a reminder that we do not want our family to get that knock on the door. 

This is a TV-led campaign supported by video on demand, radio, digital audio, social media and out of home advertising in pubs and clubs across the country. 

40 second English radio30 Second English Radio30 second Irish Radio

Drug testing at the roadside 

In December 2022, the Gardaí began to use a different device (Securetec® Drugwipe 6s) to test for drug driving at the roadside.  

This new device is more portable, faster at delivering results and can test for a greater range of drugs (Cannabis, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines and Opiates, Amphetamine and Methamphetamine).  

This means that there is a great chance of being detected. Another change is that all drivers at the scene of a serious collision can be tested for the presence of drugs.  

Drug Driving Penalties 

All drug driving offences carry a period of disqualification. In terms of disqualification periods, for those convicted of the offence of being above the threshold for Cannabis and Cocaine with no proof of impairment necessary by the Gardaí, the disqualification period is not less than 1 year for the first offence and not less than 2 years for the second or subsequent offence. 

For the existing offence of drug driving while impaired, the penalty or disqualification period is a minimum of 4 years for a first offence and 6 years for a second or subsequent offence. 

The maximum penalty for all drug driving offences is a €5,000 fine and up to 6 months imprisonment on summary conviction. 

Know more

Prescription or over-the-counter medicines 

If taking prescription medication, drivers need to follow the advice of their prescribing doctor and dispensing pharmacist and must be aware of the level of potential impairment, even temporary, that the medication may cause. This is particularly important if the dosage or brand of that medication is altered. 

If drivers are in any doubt or have any concerns, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You may find our Medicines and Driving leaflet useful. 

Facts 

CANNABIS & DRIVING 

International Council on Alcohol, Drugs & Traffic Safety 

1. Introduction 

2. Recent Experimental Evidence 

3. Recent Epidemiological Evidence 

4. Cannabis-Impaired Driving Detection & Toxicology 

5. Policy & Legislative Issues 

6. Medical Cannabis & Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) 

Services Medical fitness

The rules and responsibilities for medical fitness to drive in Ireland. Medical conditions to be declared, updated medical guidelines and report form download.