Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offence which can have disastrous consequences for road safety. Unfortunately, many people continue to drive after consuming illegal substances, putting their lives and those of other road users at risk. In this article, we look at the legal consequences of driving under the influence of drugs, the risks to road safety and the measures taken by the authorities to combat this scourge.
Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offence under Swiss law. According to Article 31 of the Federal Law on Road Traffic (LCR), “the driver who, under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication, is no longer able to drive with the required caution shall be punished”. The term “drugs” refers to all illicit substances, including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine, MDMA and other synthetic drugs.
Driving under the influence of drugs is an offence that can be detected in a number of ways. Firstly, the police may arrest a driver who is intoxicated or high. In this case, the driver must undergo a drug test to confirm or refute his or her consumption of illegal substances. Police can also make a finding in the event of a traffic accident. In this case, a drug test will also be carried out to determine whether the driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.
In Switzerland, driving under the influence of drugs is a punishable offence. Penalties can range from a fine to a prison sentence, depending on the seriousness of the offence.
In the event of an offence, the driver is liable to a fine of up to several thousand francs. In addition, the driver’s licence will be suspended for a minimum of three months. The suspension can be extended to several years, depending on the seriousness of the offence and the driver’s behaviour.
In the event of a repeat offence, the penalties are more severe. The driver risks a prison sentence, a higher fine and a longer suspension of the driving license. In the event of a road accident, the driver may also be held liable for damage caused to third parties, and may have to compensate victims.
In addition, the driver is required to pay the costs associated with the proceedings, such as court fees, lawyer’s fees and toxicology expert’s fees. These costs can amount to several thousand francs, which can have serious financial consequences for the driver.
To avoid drug-related offences at the wheel, it is important to take preventive measures. The Swiss authorities have introduced a number of measures to combat driving under the influence of drugs.
Firstly, roadside checks have been stepped up. Police officers are equipped with saliva tests to detect the presence of drugs in drivers’ blood. The tests are random and can be carried out at any time of the day or night.
In addition, awareness and information campaigns are run to inform drivers of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs. The aim of these campaigns is to make drivers aware of the risks involved, and to encourage them not to drive after taking drugs.
Driving schools also play an important role in preventing drug-driving. They must inform drivers of the risks involved and make them aware of the need to respect the laws and rules of the road.
In conclusion, driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offence that can have serious consequences for drivers, passengers and other road users. Drug and driving laws vary from country to country, but it is universally recognized that driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal.
As a lawyer, it is my responsibility to protect my clients’ rights and help them navigate the legal system. If you are accused of driving under the influence of drugs, it is important to contact a DUI attorney immediately to help you understand your options and defend your rights. Together, we can work to minimize the negative consequences of this situation and help you regain control of your life.
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