Fines of up to 1,000 euros for driving under the influence of medication

Driving under the influence of medication is illegal if it impairs your ability to drive safely, even though there is no specific legal limit as there is with alcohol.

Before taking any medication, it is crucial to carefully read the leaflet to understand its potential side effects and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Few are aware, but driving under the influence of medications that impair abilities can result in fines of up to 1,000 euros, according to the General Traffic Regulations. Additionally, in the event of an accident, insurers may deny coverage if it is proven that the driver was affected by such side effects.

According to recent data from the DGT, concentration problems and drowsiness are factors present in 15% of traffic accidents, making the discussion of depression and driving not only relevant but necessary.

Depression, affecting more than 2 million people in Spain according to the WHO, can compromise essential driving skills such as attention, reaction time, and judgment. Moreover, the side effects of certain prescribed medications for this condition—such as drowsiness or dizziness—pose an additional risk behind the wheel.

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) warns that at least 30% of medications for mood disorders can affect driving ability. Among these are antidepressants and anxiolytics, which often carry pictograms on the packaging indicating their potential impact on driving performance.

Despite these warnings, a survey by Pyramid Consulting reveals that more than 60% of drivers do not check the contraindications of their medications before driving. This lack of information, combined with the stigma still surrounding mental health, can have serious consequences for both drivers and other road users.

The DGT warns that driving under the influence of any medication that impairs your abilities can be very dangerous. If you have doubts about whether a medication may affect your ability to drive, consult your doctor. They can advise you on potential risks and alternatives.

While there is no exhaustive list of medications prohibited for driving, many drugs can affect our driving skills, such as attention, reflexes, coordination, or reaction time. These are some of the groups of medications to be particularly cautious with.

Sleeping medications, which cause drowsiness and may lead to falling asleep at the wheel. Anxiolytics and tranquilizers can reduce concentration and reflexes.

Some antidepressants can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion. Opioid analgesics can cause drowsiness and affect coordination. Many antihistamines cause drowsiness and can affect vision, and some blood pressure medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness.