UK hay fever sufferers risk failing roadside drug tests

The NHS estimates that 10 million Britons suffer from hay fever, with many using medication to relieve runny noses and itchy eyes.

But, pharmacists say that drivers taking excessive doses of over-the-counter remedies could find themselves in legal trouble by failing on-the-spot roadside drug tests.

Motorists found exceeding the drug-driving limit due to taking a lot of hay fever tablets could face an unlimited fine, a minimum one-year driving ban, and up to six-months imprisonment.

Since March 2015, police have had the ability to use on-the-spot saliva swabs, testing motorists for illegal levels of drugs in their systems. If the police think motorists are not fit to drive due to drug use, they can arrest the motorists and insist on blood or urine tests at a police station to confirm drug use.

The main intent of the roadside checks is to prosecute drivers impaired by illegal drug use, including marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine.

Restrictions on drug use while driving also includes legal over-the-counter drugs that can cause drivers to become drowsy, which could result in accidents.

Regulations set the limits for medications like hay fever tablets at just above the prescribed dose. However, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society warns that as temperatures and pollen counts soar, drivers often take more than the prescribed dose to relieve their symptoms, risking violation of drug-driving laws.

Arrests for driving while under the influence of drugs has increased by 140% since the introduction of the on-the-spot roadside drug tests.