New data has exposed what campaigners are calling an “under-the-radar” epidemic of drug driving in the UK, with reoffending rates significantly outstripping those seen among drink drivers.
The Scale of the Problem
A Freedom of Information request submitted by the RAC found that over the eleven years to July 2025, 12,391 drivers were caught drug driving more than three times in the UK. By comparison, just 2,553 drivers were convicted of drink driving three times or more during the same period. More than 50 individuals accumulated over ten drug driving endorsements each.
In total, almost 100,000 people were convicted of drug driving between July 2014 and 2025, compared with just over 220,000 convicted of drink driving over the same period. Despite drug driving being less common in absolute terms, its reoffending rate is considerably higher.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the RAC, said: “While it’s drink-driving that tends to attract most of the headlines, these figures show just how much of a problem the more under-the-radar issue of drug-driving is becoming.”
Calls for Tougher Action
The disparity in reoffending rates has prompted calls for stronger legislation and a dedicated rehabilitation framework. Dennis said: “Drug-driving reoffending rates dwarf those of drink-driving, which suggests current penalties aren’t effective in preventing some drug drivers from repeating their crimes and putting everyone at risk.”
He added: “Introducing a national drug-driving rehabilitation scheme, similar to what is in place for drink driving, could also help drive down reoffending. Other countries such as Australia already routinely use roadside saliva testing of suspected drug drivers, and we urgently need a similar system in the UK.”
Current Penalties
Under existing law, drug driving carries a minimum 12-month driving ban, extended to 36 months for a second conviction within three years, an unlimited fine, and up to six months in prison. These penalties mirror those that apply to drink driving.
Government Response
Earlier this year, the Government set out its Road Safety Strategy, which includes a review of sentencing for both drink and drug driving, as well as a consultation on the use of alcohol interlocks to prevent drink drive reoffending.
The Department for Transport said it intends to introduce “strong new powers to suspend driving licences for drug drivers, new roadside tests and tougher, swifter consequences when we catch them.”
A Government spokesperson added: “For too long, our enforcement system has struggled to keep pace with the scale of this problem. But those who do drugs and get behind the wheel will no longer go unpunished.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
