Drug Driving DG10 Insurance
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A DG10 conviction is issued when a driver is found to have operated a vehicle with drug levels in their system that exceed the legal limits. This includes both illegal substances like cannabis and cocaine and some prescription drugs if they impair the ability to drive. The conviction is a serious offense with legal, financial, and social repercussions, especially when it comes to car insurance.
Legal Thresholds for Drugs in Driving
The law sets specific limits for various drugs in the bloodstream, including:
- Cannabis (THC): 2 µg/L.
- Cocaine: 10 µg/L.
- Ketamine: 20 µg/L.
- Prescription Drugs: Limits also apply to legal medications such as diazepam and morphine if they impair driving ability.
Drivers are required to inform their doctor if taking medications that could affect driving ability to avoid inadvertently breaching the law.
Penalties for a DG10 Conviction
- Driving Ban: Minimum 12 months, but can be longer for serious cases.
- Fine: Unlimited, depending on the severity of the offense.
- Prison Sentence: Up to 6 months in extreme cases, such as those involving accidents.
- Criminal Record: Remains on your driving licence for 11 years, visible to insurers and employers.
In addition, a conviction may include a mandatory drug-driving rehabilitation course to reduce the length of the ban.
Who Enforces DG10 Convictions?
The police use roadside drug screening devices and field impairment tests to assess drivers suspected of drug use. If positive, further testing is conducted at the station to confirm drug levels. Refusing to undergo testing can result in an automatic charge of drug-driving.
Insurance Implications of a Drug Driving Conviction
After a DG10 conviction, insurers categorise you as a high-risk driver, leading to significantly higher premiums, often double or triple the standard rate. Some insurers may decline to provide coverage altogether. It is essential to disclose the conviction, as failing to do so can invalidate your policy.
- Specialist Providers: Many drivers with DG10 convictions must turn to insurers specialising in high-risk policies.
- Duration of Impact: Insurers typically consider the conviction relevant for 5 years, though it remains on record for 11 years.
Additional Consequences
- Employment Restrictions: A criminal record can impact career opportunities, especially for roles requiring driving.
- Licence Revocation: You may be required to reapply for a licence and demonstrate fitness to drive, including a medical assessment.
- Public Stigma: Drug-driving carries significant social consequences and may damage personal and professional relationships.
Preventative Measures
To avoid a DG10 conviction:
- Do not drive after using drugs, including prescription medications, without consulting a healthcare professional.
- Arrange alternative transport if unsure of your fitness to drive.
- Educate yourself on the legal limits and effects of both illegal and prescription drugs on driving.
Tips for Convicted Driver Insurance
Do I have to declare my conviction?
In short, yes. Without exception insurers will ask you about previous convictions so you must disclose them. If you don't your insurance will technically be invalid, which could lead to a further IN10 conviction for no insurance.
How long do I have to declare convictions for?
This will vary from insurer to insurer, so make sure you declare everything relevant. If in doubt it's best to declare too much as the insurer should disregard anything not relevant.
How long do convictions stay on my licence for?
Convictions will stay on your licence for either 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence. Offences that stay on your licence for 11 years are only visible to insurers for 5 years. For full information see the government website.
Don't buy unnecessary extras
You'll no doubt be offered a host of policy extras by your chosen insurer. Whilst some extras provide great value, don't pay extra for cover you won't use.
Renew your policy in good time
It may seem counter intuitive, but research suggests insurers can offer discounts to customers who are organised. People who leave renewing their insurance until the last minute could be disorganised and always in a rush, which could theoretically translate into riskier behaviour like leaving repairs until it's too late.
Don't auto-renew
It's always worth comparing prices every year to make sure you're getting the best possible deal. If you use our service we will send you a reminder to shop around.
How to Save £s on Convicted Driver Insurance
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