Many drugs available in Spain can impair driving by causing dizziness, blurred vision or fatigue

Motorists driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol are major contributors to the number of road accidents reported on Spanish roads, but what many people don’t know is that there are several prescription drugs and over-the-counter that may impair the ability to drive safely.

The General Council of Official Associations of Pharmacists of Spain reported in 2021 that 17% of drivers say they are taking pharmacological treatment and that three quarters of them have not been warned of the effect of their medication while driving.

How do you know if a drug is unsuitable for driving?

In Spain, a third of the drugs that exist (more precisely 5,800) have a pictogram on their packaging that warns of their possible interaction with driving. The purpose is simply to warn the patient to read the information concerning the effects on driving contained in the booklet.

The warning label is a red triangle containing a black car on a white background; underneath is written: “Driving: see instructions”.

It is important to remember that this warning does not prohibit motorists from driving; it is simply intended to warn drivers of possible side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision or lack of coordination.

For this reason, it is always advisable to consult the doctor who prescribed the medication to clarify any doubts regarding the effects they may have on driving ability.

What the law says about driving and prescription drugs:

Article 14 of RD 6/2015 states that “the driver of any vehicle with the presence of drugs in the body, excluding substances used under medical prescription and for therapeutic purposes”, may NOT drive on the roads Spanish, “provided that he is able to use the vehicle in accordance with the duty of care, prudence and non-distraction established in this rule”.

Picture 1: DGT

Image 2: La Nucia Local Police