Driving under the influence of prescription drugs is a serious offense in New Jersey. Although alcohol often takes the spotlight in DUI laws, prescription medications can also impair your ability to drive safely. If you wonder whether you can face a DUI charge for taking prescribed drugs, the answer is yes.
Prescription drugs and driving in New Jersey
New Jersey law prohibits driving while impaired by any substance, including prescription medications. Just like alcohol, prescription drugs can affect your judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it unsafe to drive. If an officer suspects prescription drugs are impairing your driving, they may arrest you and request a blood, breath, or urine test to check for controlled substances in your system.
Types of drugs that may impair driving
Common prescription drugs that may impair your ability to drive include painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, and sleep aids. These medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and reduced focus, all of which can increase the risk of accidents. Even with a prescription for these medications, you still cannot drive while impaired.
How law enforcement tests for impairment
Police officers are trained to recognize the signs of drug impairment, much like they are trained for alcohol-related impairment. They may conduct field sobriety tests, such as the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand tests, and use specialized drug recognition experts (DREs) to assess your level of impairment. If tests show prescription drugs impair your ability to drive, you can face a DUI charge.
If prescription drugs impair your driving, New Jersey can charge you with a DUI, just like it would for alcohol. Understand how your medications affect your driving and take steps to avoid driving if you’re unsure about their effects.