Drugs While Driving

Verified 13 June 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

What are the penalties for driving after drug use (cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD: titleContent...)? What is the procedure for testing at a roadside check? Can we challenge the result? We'll tell you what you need to know about drugs and driving.

He is forbidden driving after use drugs (substances or plants classified as narcotic drugs): cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, opiates, LSD: titleContent...

The prohibition applies whatever the quantity of drugs used.

In case of accompanied driving, the prohibition also concerns the person accompanying the student driver.

Screening is obligatory in case of fatal accident or bodily (injuries) to traffic.

The screening is optional in the following cases:

  • You're involved in a physical traffic accident
  • You are the alleged perpetrator of a infringement road transport operator
  • You are suspected of taking a narcotic

The police (police, gendarmerie) or the public prosecutor may also decide to make a drug-testing operation.

Screening

Law enforcement agencies use a salivary test for track down drug use.

There is also a urine test, but it is used less. Only a doctor can do it.

FYI  

If you refuse to do the salivary test, or if you are unable to do it, a salivary sample or bloody is performed.

Verification

If the test testing is positive, law enforcement shall conduct a salivary sample for check drug use.

Law enforcement must ask you if you wish reserve the right to request a counter-expertise.

If the response is positive, a doctor does a blood sample (blood test).

This blood sample can also be used to check if you are taking medical treatment.

The salivary or blood sample is then removed analyzed by a laboratory or an approved expert.

You can use a simulator to find out what penalty you might face for a traffic violation:

What is the risk in the event of a traffic offense?

If you drive after using drugs, you risk 2 years in prison and €4,500 of fine.

In case blood alcohol concentration positive, you risk until 3 years in prison and €9,000 of fine.

Your vehicle may be immobilized.

6 points are removed from your driving license.

You may also additional penalties following:

  • Suspension of license for a period of up to 3 years (without any possibility of accommodation outside the professional activity)
  • Cancelation permit and up to 3 years prohibition from applying for a new permit
  • Sentence of work of general interest
  • Sentence of fine days
  • Prohibition on driving certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a period of up to 5 years
  • Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
  • Obligation to conduct, at your expense, an awareness training on the dangers of the use of narcotic drugs
  • Confiscation of your vehicle

Warning  

In case of a positive screening test, refuse to submit to verification drives same penalties.

In case post-drug use injury, your insurance company will apply sanctions (increase in contributions, termination of contract...).

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Drugs info service

    By telephone

     0 800 23 13 13 (toll-free)

    Open from 8am to 2am, 7 days a week

    Anonymous service.

    Information about drugs, alcohol, addictions including gambling addiction.

    Listen, support, advice and guidance.

    Via the Internet

    Access to Your questions / Our answers to ask questions of service professionals

  • House of Justice and the Law

FAQ