Changes to the law which drivers and employers should know about

Whilst some of these have been reported widely, drivers and employers are often still unaware of the full implications.

Jeremy Scott, Head of the Regulatory and Corporate Defence team at Lupton Fawcett discuss two of the most important changes to help ensure that you are kept up to date, and on the road.

Drug Driving laws are in full force

The new offence of ‘drug driving’ establishes blood level limits for seventeen substances, including both illegal drugs, as well as some prescription medicines. A zero tolerance stance is taken and if you are over the limit, it is not a defence to prove that your driving was not impaired. The limits for illegal drugs are extremely low.

Police officers can test for cannabis or cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs, including heroin and ecstasy, at the police station.

Health and safety law requires employers to assess workplace risks and ensure drivers are competent and safe. Remember that a vehicle, even if it is owned by an employee, is deemed to be ‘the workplace’ if it is being driven for work purposes.

Businesses should have in place clear drug driving policies, and systems for drivers to report when a specified drug is prescribed to them.

Tougher penalties for using a mobile phone whilst driving

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. It is also an offence to “cause or permit” a driver to use one while driving. Therefore, employers can be liable as well as the individual driver if they require employees to use a hand-held phone while driving.

It can also be illegal to use a hands-free phone. Depending upon the individual circumstances, drivers could be charged with ‘failing to have proper control of their vehicle’. In more serious cases, it could result in prosecution for careless or dangerous driving.

The Police may check phone records when investigating fatal and serious crashes to determine if use of the phone contributed to the crash.

Employers who require staff to use a mobile phone while driving could be prosecuted if an investigation determined that such use contributed to a crash. Expensive claims in the civil courts could also result.

Fixed penalties for mobile phone offences have increased to 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. You can also be taken to court where you could be disqualified from driving and receive a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you are a lorry or bus driver).

At Lupton Fawcett our expert lawyers help to keep drivers on the road, and businesses to avoid prosecution. If you would like to discuss how we can help you please call us on 0113 2802195.