If you’ve been charged with drug driving in Glasgow or anywhere in Scotland, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications, potential penalties, and available defences. At Keep My Licence, our experienced road traffic lawyers specialise in defending drug driving cases across Scotland, helping you protect your licence and your future.
What Is Drug Driving?
Drug driving refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of controlled drugs, whether illegal or prescribed. It is a serious offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988, as amended by the Drug Driving (Specified Limits) (Scotland) Regulations 2019.
There are two main types of drug driving offences:
- Driving while unfit through drugs – where your ability to drive is impaired.
- Driving with a specified drug over the legal limit – even if your driving appears normal.
Common Drugs Involved in Drug Driving Charges
Police in Scotland test for a range of both illegal drugs and prescription medications, including:
- Cannabis (THC)
- Cocaine
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Ketamine
- Heroin
- Diazepam
- Methadone
- Morphine
Even prescription drugs can lead to prosecution if taken above the prescribed dose or combined with other substances.
Penalties for Drug Driving in Scotland
Drug driving carries severe penalties. If convicted, you may face:
- Minimum 12-month driving ban
- A criminal record
- An unlimited fine
- Up to 6 months in prison
- Increased insurance premiums
- Loss of employment (especially for professional drivers)
Repeat offences or aggravating factors (such as causing an accident) can result in longer bans and custodial sentences.
Defending a Drug Driving Charge
At Keep My Licence, we explore every angle to build a robust defence. Common defences to drug driving charges include:
1. No Impairment
You may not have been impaired at the time, even if drugs were present in your system – especially with prescribed medication.
2. Procedural Errors
Police must follow strict procedures when conducting drug tests. Any failure in protocol, such as improper testing, delays, or contamination, can render the evidence inadmissible.
3. Valid Medical Use
You may have a prescription for the detected substance. If you took the medication correctly and your driving was not impaired, this could form a defence.
4. Inaccurate Testing
We can challenge the accuracy of blood or urine tests, particularly if samples were mishandled or not stored correctly.
5. No Reasonable Suspicion
If police did not have a valid reason to stop or test you, the case may be thrown out on legal grounds.
Why Choose Keep My Licence?
- Over 20 years’ experience in Scottish road traffic law
- Based in Glasgow with full coverage of courts across Scotland
- Proven track record of defending drug driving cases
- Fixed fee structure and free initial consultation
- Available 24/7 for urgent legal representation
Charged With Drug Driving? Don’t Risk Your Licence – Contact Us Now
If you’re facing a drug driving charge in Glasgow or anywhere in Scotland, time is critical. The sooner you speak with a specialist solicitor, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
