New “drug driving” offence comes into force today
From today 2nd March, it has become an offence to drive while over a specified limit of drug use. This is similar to the drink driving laws and means police no longer need to show an impairment to driving due to drugs, simply that the driver is over the limit.
Employers should ensure that any drivers who use a vehicle for work purposes are aware of this change to the law, and understand its implications. The offence carries a mandatory disqualification from driving and a maximum of six months' imprisonment. Such a controversial issue needs to be handled sensitively and many employers find it difficult to know what they can or should do when faced with an employee with a substance misuse problem.