Drug driving on the rise across England and Wales

Drug driving reoffending has skyrocketed by more than 134% in just four years.

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the charity IAM RoadSmart shows a sharp rise in repeat drug drive offences.

In 2024, authorities recorded 3,193 cases of reoffending, compared with 1,363 in 2020.

Government figures also reveal that repeat offenders account for 44% of all drug driving cases.

In one extreme example, an individual was caught again despite already having 18 previous convictions for drink and drug driving.

Further research from IAM RoadSmart in August 2025 found that found that 82% of 2,053 drivers support a proposal to give police powers to suspend driving licences immediately pending trial for those testing positive for drug-driving.

The report also found that drug-driving is still increasing.

Data shows that 20,072 people in England and Wales were sentenced for drug-driving offences in 2024, marking a 143% increase when compared to 2017.

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IAM RoadSmart Policy, Public Affairs, and Communications Manager William Porter said: “The system for dealing with drug-drivers hasn’t kept pace with the huge increase in reoffending.

“The fact that those who have tested positive to a roadside test are allowed to get back into the driving seat pending a laboratory blood test shows that the system is broken.

“We welcome the proposed Government shakeup and would like to see an immediate suspension when a driver has provided a positive roadside saliva drug test.

“We also need to see the introduction of a drug-drive rehabilitation course with better screening for drug and mental health problems and with clear pathways to treatment.

“Drug-drivers often need support to break the pattern of reoffending by changing their mindset and habits, understanding how drugs impair driving, and the serious consequences for themselves and others.”