Drug Driving Offences Overtake Alcohol-Related Road Crime

Drug-driving offences have surpassed drink-driving offences for the first time, highlighting a growing road safety concern across the UK.

New data obtained by IAM RoadSmart through a Freedom of Information request shows that 30,707 drug-driving endorsements were added to driving licences in 2025. That represents a 28% increase from 23,981 recorded three years earlier.

In contrast, drink-driving endorsements fell by 17% over the same period, dropping from 35,976 in 2022 to 29,981 last year. The figures follow earlier reports indicating that drugs now contribute to more road traffic fatalities than alcohol.

Young drivers remain disproportionately affected. Motorists aged 17 to 24 accounted for 18% of all drug-driving endorsements in 2025, despite making up only 6% of UK licence holders.

The Department for Transport described the findings as "deeply concerning", while IAM RoadSmart urged the Government to take stronger action to tackle the growing problem.

Anyone convicted of drug-driving faces a minimum 12-month driving ban, an unlimited fine and a prison sentence of up to six months.

Separate Department for Transport and police data also shows a sharp rise in fatal collisions involving drugs. The number of deceased drivers testing positive for drugs increased by 78% over the decade to 2023, rising from 106 to 189. By comparison, the number of deceased motorists with alcohol in their system increased by just 5%, from 162 to 171.

The figures have intensified debate over the Government's road safety priorities. While ministers are proposing to lower the legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood as part of a new road safety strategy, campaigners argue that drug-driving requires equal or greater attention.

Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and External Communications at IAM RoadSmart, said: "It's becoming clear the UK is facing a drug-driving epidemic, to the point where it may now pose a greater threat on our roads than drink-driving. These figures demonstrate the need for decisive action to support police enforcement and better protect all road users.

"The Government's road safety strategy recognises the need to tackle drug-driving, but we now need to see meaningful action."

The Johnson Partnership, Nottingham