MedicationUnited States
285. Medication
Medication can affect driving ability even when it is legally prescribed or available without a prescription. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, reduced concentration, slower reactions or impaired coordination and judgement. Drivers should read the patient information leaflet, follow the prescribed dose and ask a doctor or pharmacist if they are unsure whether it is safe to drive. Extra care is needed when starting a new medicine, changing the dose or combining several medicines or medication with alcohol.
Wikimedia.org • Areca T. Bell • CC0
Can medication affect driving?
Yes. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions or reduced concentration, which can make driving unsafe.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Road Traffic Act, Articles 59, 61bis, 62ter and 63; Belgian procedures
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 27 November 2015, saliva/blood sampling and laboratories
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, drugs and driving law; GB example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 95–96, impairment; national guidance example
Can prescription medicine make you unsafe to drive?
Yes. A medicine can be legally prescribed and still impair your ability to drive safely. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor, pharmacist and patient information leaflet.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Road Traffic Act, Articles 59, 61bis, 62ter and 63; Belgian procedures
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 27 November 2015, saliva/blood sampling and laboratories
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, drugs and driving law; GB example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 95–96, impairment; national guidance example
Can over-the-counter medicine affect driving?
Yes. Medicines available without a prescription can also affect driving. Some antihistamines, cough medicines and other common products may cause drowsiness or other side effects.
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Road Traffic Act, Articles 59, 61bis, 62ter and 63; Belgian procedures
🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 27 November 2015, saliva/blood sampling and laboratories
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, drugs and driving law; GB example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 95–96, impairment; national guidance example

Traffic rules
United States