Many drivers assume that DUI laws only apply to alcohol or illegal drugs. However, in California, a person can be charged with driving under the influence even when using legally prescribed medications. Certain prescription drugs can impair reaction time, coordination, and judgment, making it dangerous to operate a vehicle. If you have questions or concerns about how prescription drug use can result in criminal charges, continue reading and consult with a skilled Contra Costa County DUI lawyer today.

Can Prescription Drug Use Result in DUI Charges in CA?

Yes, prescription drug use can result in DUI charges in California. Under California Vehicle Code § 23152(f), it is illegal to drive while under the influence of any drug that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely. The law does not distinguish between illegal drugs and medications that were legally prescribed by a doctor. If a prescription drug affects your coordination, reaction time, judgment, or alertness, you could face DUI charges even if you followed your doctor’s instructions.

Essentially, if a medication makes you too impaired to drive safely, California law treats it similarly to alcohol impairment. Whether the drug was lawfully prescribed does not automatically prevent a DUI charge.

What Types of Prescription Medications Can Cause a DUI?

While almost any medication that causes drowsiness or impairs cognitive function could lead to a DUI charge, certain classes of prescription drugs are more commonly associated with impaired driving arrests in California. The most frequently encountered medications in prescription drug DUI cases include:

  • Opioid pain medications (such as oxycodone or hydrocodone): Some of these drugs are potent central nervous system depressants that can severely slow reaction time, cause drowsiness, and impair coordination, making driving extremely dangerous.
  • Anti-anxiety medications (such as Xanax or Valium): Benzodiazepines are known to cause sedation, dizziness, and cognitive impairment, mirroring the effects of alcohol intoxication even at standard doses.
  • Sleep medications (such as Ambien): These medications are notorious for causing “sleep-driving” or lingering impairment the morning after use, leading to arrests when drivers are still affected.
  • Muscle relaxants: Often causing significant drowsiness and reduced alertness, these medications impair the fine motor skills and judgment needed for safe driving.
  • Certain antidepressants or antipsychotic medications: While many are safe for driving, some types can cause initial or dose-related side effects like sedation, blurred vision, or dizziness, leading to impairment.

It’s always important to discuss driving safety with your prescribing physician when starting a new medication. Prescription medications often include warnings about operating vehicles, using heavy machinery, or combining the medication with alcohol.

How Do Police Determine If Someone Is Driving Under the Influence of Prescription Drugs?

When determining whether or not someone is under the influence of prescription medication, law enforcement officers look for signs such as:

  • Slurred speech
  • Slow or unusual driving behavior
  • Difficulty staying in one lane
  • Confusion or delayed responses
  • Unusual or abnormal eye movement
  • Physical coordination

Reach out to an experienced attorney for more information and legal advice today.