LRD guides and handbook September 2014

Health and safety law 2014

Chapter 5

New government drug-driving limits

[ch 5: page 81]

New regulations are due to come into force in autumn 2014 introducing new drug-driving limits for 16 drugs. The list includes eight illicit drugs and eight prescription drugs. The new rules will mean that it will be against the law to be over the specific limit for drugs in the same way that it is for drinking alcohol.

The TUC has expressed concerns that these new limits may lead to a “big increase” in drug testing at work and in workers being disciplined or fired for being over the limit, despite no evidence of an impairment.

Details of the government proposals and updates on the new legal limits are available at: www.gov.uk/government/news/public-approval-for-driving-limits-for-16-drugs.