Driving while impaired (DWI) isn’t just about alcohol. In Minnesota, you can (under certain circumstances) face a DWI charge if you’re driving under the influence of prescription drugs.
You might assume that, because a doctor prescribed your medication, it won’t result in a DWI. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If a medication affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely, Minnesota DWI laws apply in largely the same way as they do to drinking and driving.
What Does Minnesota Law Say About DWIs and Prescription Drugs?
Minnesota imposes the same penalties for drugged driving as it does for driving under the influence of alcohol. There are various levels of severity when it comes to DWI charges, ranging from fourth-degree DWIs (the least serious) to first-degree DWIs (the most serious).
However, there is an important distinction between alcohol and drugs when it comes to the standard of impairment. In drunk driving cases, there is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08%. So, if you exceed this limit, you’ll automatically be guilty of an offense.
There is no acceptable limit like this when it comes to drugs, prescription or otherwise. Instead, the focus is on whether your faculties are impaired. When a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of a DWI offense, they may carry out field sobriety tests to get a better idea of whether you’ve been drinking or using drugs, and to establish probable cause. If you “fail” one of these tests, the officer may arrest you and require you to take a blood or urine test.
The consequences for driving under the influence of prescription drugs depends on the specific drug you’ve taken and the controlled substance schedule to which it belongs. These schedules (which also classify illegal drugs) are set out on the basis of the abuse potential and medical value of the compounds in question.
Prescription Drugs That Can Affect Your Ability to Drive
There are a large number of commonly prescribed medications that can affect driving ability. It’s important to remember that these drugs may leave you unable to legally drive even when taken as prescribed.
They include:
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Ativan): Used for anxiety and insomnia, these medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed reaction times.
- Opioids (e.g., Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, morphine): Prescribed for pain relief, opioids can lead to drowsiness, impaired judgment, and slowed reflexes.
- Sleep medications (e.g., Ambien, Lunesta): Designed to induce sleep, these medications can cause drowsiness and reduce alertness, even the morning after use.
- Antidepressants (e.g., Zoloft, Prozac, Amitriptyline): Some antidepressants can cause dizziness, blurred vision, and drowsiness, affecting your ability to drive.
- Muscle relaxants (e.g., Flexeril, Soma): Used to relieve muscle spasms, these drugs can cause sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl, Claritin): Often taken for allergies, some antihistamines, especially older ones, can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times.
- Anti-seizure medications (e.g., Tegretol, Dilantin): Prescribed for epilepsy, these medications can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired cognitive function.
- Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin): Used for ADHD, stimulants can affect judgment, increase impulsivity, and cause agitation.
- Anti-nausea medications (e.g., Zofran, Phenergan): These drugs can cause drowsiness and dizziness, making it dangerous to drive.
- Diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, Glipizide): While not directly impairing, these medications can cause hypoglycemia, leading to confusion, dizziness, and loss of consciousness, all of which can impair driving.
Potential Penalties for a Minnesota DWI Involving Prescription Drugs
The penalties for driving under the influence of prescription medication are the same as those that apply to other DWI charges. They can include:
- Imprisonment.
- Fines.
- Driving bans.
- Vehicle forfeiture.
How to Protect Yourself From a Prescription Drug DWI Charge
If you’ve picked up a DWI charge related to prescription drug use, don’t panic. You may be able to fight the case successfully with the help of an experienced Minnesota DWI attorney. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.
