You understand the consequences of driving under the influence (DUI), and you have always known not to drink and drive. One moment you are driving completely sober, and the next, a police car pulls you over and charges you with a DUI.
You feel confused because you believe you have done nothing wrong. What you might not realize is that the prescription medication you took has impaired your ability to drive safely.
In South Carolina, the law does not just look out for alcohol consumption. Law enforcement can charge you with a DUI for any substance, including prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
How South Carolina defines impaired driving
State law prohibits driving if alcohol, drugs, or both noticeably affect your body and ability to function behind the wheel. It does not matter what you took, but how it changes your ability to control the vehicle.
Many of these commonly prescribed drugs can significantly affect your driving ability, causing drowsiness, dizziness and slowed reactions:
- Opioid painkillers (OxyContin, Vicodin)
- Anxiety meds (Xanax, Valium)
- Sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta)
- Antihistamines (Benadryl)
Always read medication warnings carefully. Effects can vary over time or with other substances.
How do they prove impairment without a breathalyzer?
Without a breathalyzer reading, drug-related DUI charges rely on other evidence. Blood or urine tests can detect the presence of drugs in the body, but they do not always prove that a person was impaired while driving. Fatigue, medical conditions or nervousness can affect your performance on field sobriety tests, which involve physical tasks. Officers also rely on their observations of speech, coordination, behavior, pupil size and driving patterns.
These observations can sometimes be subjective and open to interpretation, making drug-related DUI cases particularly complex. Because of these challenges, it is crucial to seek experienced legal guidance to ensure your rights are protected.
Take control of your rights
If you lost control of your vehicle while driving on medication, the consequences may be the same as driving under the influence of alcohol. You may be required to serve jail time, pay fines, and have your license suspended.
If you are facing a drug-related charge, regain control by talking to a lawyer who understands toxicology, medical issues and police procedures to help challenge the evidence against you.
