Overview
- DVLA figures for 2025 obtained by charity IAM RoadSmart show 30,707 drug-driving endorsements were added to licences, up 28% since 2022 and higher than 29,981 drink-driving endorsements.
- Drivers aged 17 to 24 received 18% of drug-driving endorsements despite making up about 6% of licence holders, indicating a marked concentration of offences among young people.
- The Department for Transport called the figures 'deeply concerning' and said its January road safety strategy includes a review of penalties and work to trial faster forensic methods such as saliva or sweat sampling.
- IAM RoadSmart described the trend as a 'drug-driving epidemic' and urged police powers to suspend licences immediately after a failed roadside swab along with a national drug-drive rehabilitation programme.
- DfT data show 74 deaths in 2024 where drug impairment was recorded as a contributory factor, and campaigners warn that slow laboratory confirmation of blood tests can let suspected drivers keep driving while cases are processed.