Narcotics

Driving after taking drugs is a major road safety hazard.
This illegal practice exposes not only the driver, but also other road users to considerable dangers.
This document looks at the legal implications, the risks to road safety and the authorities’ initiatives to combat this menace.

Driving under the influence of drugs: a serious violation of the LCR

Under Swiss law, specifically Article 31 of the Federal Road Traffic Act (LCR), driving under the influence of narcotics is a serious offence.

This category includes various illicit substances such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin and other synthetic drugs.

Narcotics significantly impair driving ability, making drivers dangerous to themselves and to other road users.
Depending on the type of drug taken, the effects vary:

Cannabis affects motor coordination, lengthens reaction time and impairs vision and hearing.
Opiates reduce attention and decision-making capacity.
Ecstasy masks fatigue and reduces mental capacity.
Cocaine increases risk-taking behavior and reduces attention.
Hallucinogenic drugs induce perceptual disorders and can cause panic attacks.

The offence may be detected by roadside checks or following an accident, when drug testing is required.

Legal consequences and penalties

Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious offence.
Offenders are liable to severe penalties, including :

immediate withdrawal of the driver’s licence;
withdrawal of the licence for three months or more, depending on the substance and quantity ingested;
substantial fines, proportionate to the offender’s income;
prison sentences, suspended or not.

In the event of an accident, the insurance company may turn against the driver, resulting in high financial costs.

What’s more, legal and expert fees can prove financially onerous.

Preventive action and awareness-raising

To prevent offences linked to driving under the influence of drugs, the Swiss authorities have stepped up roadside checks and launched awareness campaigns.
Driving schools also play a crucial role in educating future drivers about the risks and legal consequences of such practices.