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Driving after taking drugs is illegal and dangerous. Unlike alcohol, there is no legal limit for how much you can consume before driving. Any drug use before driving is illegal and can put you and other people at risk.
Drugs affect how you take in and process information, they can slow down your reaction times, increase fatigue, and change perception of reality. Even if you feel in control, it's not safe for you to drive.
Driving while under the influence of drugs is never acceptable.
How drugs affect your driving
Everyone's perception of how they react to drugs is different. However, all drugs, no matter the quantity or strength, affect the body central nervous system and brain's ability to function properly.
Drugs can affect:
your ability to process information
your sense of balance
your ability to perceive reality
your mood.
If you have taken drugs, your brain is less able to process the information required to be an alert and focused driver, and respond to traffic, the road, and conditions.
Don't drive after taking drugs. It's not worth the risk.
The consequences of taking drugs and driving
The consequences of driving after taking drugs are serious and extend beyond losing your licence. It puts yourself and others at risk of serious injury or death, and it's not worth the potential consequences which may include:
Death or serious injury – you may kill or seriously injure yourself or other people.
Disqualified from driving – you may be disqualified from driving if you drive under the influence of drugs. The length of the disqualification depends on how severe the offence is, ranging from three months to several years.
Travel restrictions – many countries won’t let you visit if you have a criminal record, including a drug driving conviction.
Job loss – you might lose your job if you have a drug driving conviction. Depending on your job and contract, you might face disciplinary action, suspension, or termination.
Offences/infringements – you may have to pay tickets, which can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You may also have to pay court costs and legal fees.
Criminal record – drug driving is a criminal offense in New Zealand, which means that if you are convicted, you’ll have a criminal record. This can have long-term consequences for you and all aspects of your life.
Always make responsible choices and plan ahead to ensure you never drive after using drugs.
What to do if you have taken drugs and can’t drive
If you’ve taken drugs, don’t drive. If you find yourself out and needing to drive, there are always options available to you:
Get a ride – have a friend or family member that you can get to pick you up and get you home safely.
Public transport – buses and trains can get you home safely. Check your local schedules ahead of time so you can plan your route.
Taxis and rideshare – taxis and other services might be an option as well. Make sure your phone is charged, cash or eftpos or credit card on hand in case you need to pay for a ride home.
Sober driver – if you're going out with a group, ask someone to be the driver for the night. Make sure they stay sober and have a plan to get everyone home safely. Look after your sober driver as well, buy them non-alcoholic drinks, pitch in for gas or shout them some food.
Stay overnight – if you're out of town or at a friend’s place, consider staying over instead of trying to get home unsafely.
What does the law say?
It’s illegal to:
operate heavy machinery when impaired, which includes cars
drive when impaired, whatever the cause of the impairment might be, such as alcohol and/or drugs, illness or injury
drive if you’re under the legal limit for alcohol consumption but impaired due to other substances.
Offences and penalties apply if you take any of the below 25 specific drugs above the legal limit when driving.
The Alcohol Drug Helpline provides confidential and free support to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else’s drug use including medication. They are open 24/7.
Healthline offers free health advice, information and treatment plans from professional healthcare providers including nurses, paramedics and health advisors.
