Individuals taking four types of prescription medications could be “banned” from the roads, with painkillers and sleeping drugs among the most common. According to section 4 of the Road Traffic Act, it is against the rules to be impaired by any substance while behind the wheel.

Prescription drugs can sometimes be just as potent as illegal substances, putting drivers at risk if they jump in their car. Experts have warned that many prescription medications, sleep aids, painkillers, anxiety medication, and even some cold and allergy treatments can even trigger the same consequences as drink-driving.

Charlie Reid, director of Riverside Car Sales, warned Britons taking medication just as their “doctor prescribed” could be among the most at risk.

He explained: “A lot of drivers think that because their medication is prescribed by a doctor, they’re automatically in the clear. But the law doesn’t work that way. If police believe you’re impaired, whether from alcohol, prescription drugs, or even hay fever tablets, the legal consequences can be the same.

“Even if you’re taking medication exactly as your doctor prescribed, you can still be over the legal limit for driving. Some people build up a tolerance and start taking more than recommended, which puts them well over the threshold. Others simply don’t realise how drowsy or slow their reactions have become.”

According to Charlie, the drugs that most commonly cause problems and impair driving ability are those that affect reaction times, alertness, or coordination. He stressed that codeine-based painkillers, benzodiazepines for anxiety, antihistamines for allergies and sleep medications like zopiclone are among the most lethal for drivers.

Charlie added that motorists are often caught out because medications stay in their system longer than expected. For example, experts stressed that a sleeping tablet taken the night before can still affect motorists the following morning.

Meanwhile, cold remedies containing codeine or antihistamines can cause drowsiness hours after first taking them. Motorists found to be under the influence of drugs could have their licence taken off them, with a ban likely.

Riverside Car Sales said: “Drivers found guilty of drug-driving face a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, and a criminal record.”

GOV.UK added: “It’s illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs your driving. It’s an offence to drive if you have over the specified limits of certain drugs in your blood and you have not been prescribed them.”