Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are often associated with alcohol or illegal drugs, but legal substances could also lead to an arrest. Many over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, and even certain foods and drinks can impair your ability to drive safely. Despite their legal status, these substances can contain ingredients that affect your motor skills, reaction time, and judgment.
Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize signs of impairment, regardless of the substance's legality. This article explores how various legal substances could inadvertently put you at risk of a DUI arrest.
Defining DUI: Beyond Alcohol
DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws cover more than just alcohol. Across the country, you can get a DUI for using legal substances like prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Law enforcement focuses on road safety, whether the impairing substance is legal or not. If you take medication and drive, it's crucial to understand that you can face severe legal consequences for DUI.
Legal Substances That Can Impair
Many legal substances can impair your driving, including:
- Some herbal supplements
- Some teas like kava and kratom
- Prescription drugs for anxiety, depression, or pain management
- Over-the-counter remedies like cough syrups and antihistamines
Even if the police think you are driving under the influence, they can make an arrest. Technically, if you had too much coffee, you could be arrested for DUI. Whenever the police pull you over, your best move is to stay silent. Give them your information, but don’t tell them anything else. If you tell them you’ve had medicine, kava, or a Red Bull, they could blame your driving behavior on that substance and make an arrest.
How Substances Affect Driving Abilities
Legal substances can have profound effects on driving performance. Medications can cause drowsiness, delay reaction times, blur vision, or impair judgment. These effects directly impact your ability to make quick decisions on the road.
For example, taking a strong antihistamine may slow your reaction to a sudden stop in traffic, leading to serious consequences. Know the effects of any medication you're taking and consider alternative transportation if side effects impair your driving.
Recognizing Impairment in Yourself
Self-assessment for impairment is crucial if you take medication and plan to drive. Be honest with yourself about any changes in alertness or motor skills after taking a legal substance. Signs of impairment like drowsiness, dizziness, or trouble concentrating should prompt you to reconsider driving. Also, be aware that combining substances, such as a prescription drug with alcohol, can increase impairment. You must ensure you are fit to drive. When in doubt, seek alternatives.
Legal Thresholds and Testing
"Per se" DUI laws make it illegal to drive with certain levels of substances in your system, regardless of how impaired you feel. In Martinsburg, WV, these laws apply to both legal and illegal substances. Zero tolerance laws are particularly strict for younger drivers, forbidding any detectable level of certain substances. Understanding these thresholds is crucial, as you can face DUI charges based on blood concentration levels alone.
Drug Recognition Experts and Field Sobriety Tests
If law enforcement suspects impairment during a traffic stop, they may call in Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). These specially trained officers use field sobriety tests to evaluate your level of impairment. The test’s tasks are designed to measure balance, attention, and eye movement, and they can reveal the effects of legal substances. Understand that these tests are part of the legal process, and refusing them can have consequences.
Consequences of a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest triggers immediate and long-term legal consequences. You may face jail time, hefty fines, and suspended driving privileges. Long-term consequences include mandatory DUI education programs, ignition interlock devices, and higher insurance premiums. These penalties can apply whether the substance causing impairment is legal or illegal. The law prioritizes safety, not the source of impairment.
Impact on Employment and Personal Life
A DUI arrest can disrupt every aspect of your life. Job opportunities, especially those requiring driving or a clean record, may be at risk. Personal relationships can suffer, and the social stigma of a DUI can lead to isolation. Consider these broad implications before getting behind the wheel.
Preventing Legal Substance-Related DUIs
Follow safe medication guidelines to prevent DUIs related to legal substances. Stick to prescribed dosages and timings, watch for side effects, and understand drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider about the driving implications of your medications. Responsible medication management is key to road safety.
If you’ve been accused of driving under the influence of a legal substance, Sutton & Janelle, PLLC is here to help. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to prove that you were not impaired. To meet with our team, call us at (304) 867-0049 or contact us online.