Experts call for clarity on the role of prescribers under drug driving legislation

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-04-11 00:01

New Zealand

Image by Dan Gold via UnSplash

It's unclear how the use of prescription medications will be interpreted by judges and police under new drug driving legislation, according to pharmaceutical experts. While the new Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act says that drivers taking medication according to prescription will be exempt from charges, there is no information on whether prescribers could face criticism by the Medical Council, the Health and Disability Commissioner, or the Coroner. The authors say that it would be helpful for regulatory bodies to provide a clear position statement addressing the issue to avoid changes to prescribing practices that could negatively impact patients.

Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

The new Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act (LTAA) went into effect in 2023, and it will affect people driving on 25 prescription medications, particularly benzodiazepines, opioids and THC. Driving on these medications is about as dangerous as driving a black or green car.

If patients take medication according to prescription, they are exempt from charges. However, there is no guidance for prescribers on how to interact with the LTAA and there is currently no information on if they will face criticism by the Medical Council of New Zealand, the Health and Disability Commissioner or the Coroner if they prescribe these medications.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Otago, Ashburn Clinic

Funder: CM has received James Hume bequest, Lottery Health Research Grant. PG is named on a patent for an extended-release ketamine tablet, developed with Douglas Pharmaceuticals.

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