Alcohol and drug use while driving
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In general
It is prohibited to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other drugs that affect driving ability.
Driving drunk
According to traffic laws, the penalty for driving drunk is when:
0.5 per mille in the blood, or
0.25 milligrams per litre in the breath
Measurement of alcohol levels
The police can require you to have an alcohol test if you are suspected of drink driving.
These may be, for example:
breathing measurement, which measures the concentration of alcohol in the breath
blood test, which accurately detects the amount of alcohol in the blood
Refusal of alcohol testing is punishable and has the same consequences as drink driving.
Drug driving
According to traffic laws, it is illegal to drive vehicles under the influence of:
drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines and other substances
medicines that may reduce your ability to drive, such as sedatives, sleep aids or strong painkillers
other prescription medicines that may reduce your ability to react or concentrate
Drug testing
The police can require you to take a drug test if there is a suspicion of drug driving.
These may be, for example:
sampling of your saliva or urine
blood sample, which analyses more accurately the composition and quantity of substances
Refusal of drug testing is punishable and has the same consequences as drug driving.
Perscription medicines
Even if you take medicines according to your doctor's advice, the driver is responsible for not driving if the medicines affect your ability to drive.
Consequences of drink driving and drug driving
The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or medicines can include:
penalty points, which records drivers' offences
suspension of driving licences for up to 4 years or more for repeated violations
fines or imprisonment for up to 2 years for serious offences
In the case of a serious drug offence, for example, if a driver has a substance in their possession, they can be subjected to special procedures.
In the event of repeated violations, the person concerned may be permanently deprived of their driving license.
Service provider
The Icelandic Police