Drug-driving endorsements exceed drink-driving for first time in Britain

Britain recorded more drug-driving endorsements than drink-driving endorsements on driving licences in 2025 for the first time. Data obtained by a road safety charity show 30,707 drug-driving endorsements were added last year, a 28 per cent rise from 23,981 three years earlier.

Drink-driving endorsements fell 17 per cent to 29,981 over the same period. Young drivers aged 17-24 received 18 per cent of all drug-driving endorsements while holding 6 per cent of licences. The Department for Transport called the findings deeply concerning.

The charity urged police forces to gain immediate licence-suspension powers after a failed roadside drug test.

Penalties and enforcement Convictions for drug-driving carry a minimum one-year driving ban, an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison. A 35-year-old man received an eight-month suspended prison sentence and a three-year ban after driving at 167 mph while under the influence on the A55 near Bangor on February 23.

Transport statistics recorded 74 drug-related road deaths in 2024. The department's January road safety strategy committed to reviewing penalties and exploring saliva or sweat testing methods. A spokesperson said the government is consulting on new powers to suspend licences for suspected drug-drivers.