Minister Kimmins launches consultation on modernising drug driving laws

Date published: 4 November 2026

The consultation which has launched today, seeks views on proposals to create a new legal framework that would allow offences linked to specified drug limits to be introduced in the future. This would bring Northern Ireland closer to the approach already in place in the South and across GB.

At present, drug driving offences here are based on proving that a driver's ability to drive was impaired by drugs. Under the proposed new framework, it would be possible to introduce offences linked to specified drug limits, meaning that drivers found to be over a legal limit for certain drugs could be prosecuted without the need to prove impairment.

Launching the consultation, the Minister said: 

"Drug driving puts lives at risk and can have devastating consequences for victims, families and communities.

"Every death and serious injury on our roads is one too many. We know that drugs can seriously impair a person's ability to drive safely and evidence suggests that drug driving is an increasing concern.

"Our current approach to tackling drug driving has changed little over many decades. As patterns of drug use, vehicle technology and enforcement methods have evolved, it is important that our laws keep pace.

"These proposals are about creating a modern and effective framework for tackling drug driving and improving safety for everyone who uses our roads."

The Department's proposals include:

• creating a new two-tier system that would retain existing impairment offences while also allowing offences linked to specified drug limits;
• new offences covering driving, attempting to drive, or being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal limit for a specified drug;
• powers to specify drugs and limits through future regulations and update them if patterns of drug use change;
• a statutory medical defence to protect those who have legitimately been prescribed relevant medicines for medical or dental purposes;
• penalties aligned with existing drink and drug driving offences; and
• exploring the potential introduction of rehabilitation courses for drug driving offenders.

Evidence highlighted in the consultation indicates that drug driving is an increasing road safety concern. Since the introduction of roadside drug testing by the PSNI in 2024, just over half of those screened have tested positive for cannabis and or cocaine. The consultation also notes that the number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions involving drug-impaired drivers has increased in recent years.

The Minister continued: 

"The North remains one of the few jurisdictions on these islands that continues to rely solely on an impairment-based approach to drug driving.

"I want to ensure we have robust and effective laws that help protect road users, support enforcement activity and reflect modern realities.

"The views we receive through this consultation will play an important role in shaping future legislation. I would encourage anyone with an interest in road safety to read the proposals and have their say."

The consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 27 January 2027 and feedback received will help inform the next stage of policy development and any future legislation.

Further information, including details on how to respond, is available at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-proposals-modernise-northern-irelands-drug-driving-laws