An Analysis of Current Virginia Statutes Relating to Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

About the report:

This report observes and makes recommendations concerning the current Virginia statues relating to driving under the influence of drugs, including 1) adoption of of the language of the Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) to expressly state the extent to which one must be "under the influence" for the prohibition of driving or operating a vehicle, 2) definition of the terms "drug" and "narcotic drug" within the Code chapters relating to motor vehicle laws, 3) that adoption of the UVC prohibition against driving by an "habitual user" of drugs (regardless of whether he is under the influence at the time of driving) would be premature, 4) Greater returns might be realized by requiring physicians to advise their patients of potential drug side effects inconsistent with safe driving, and 5) To date, there has been no enforcement of the prohibition against driving under the influence of drugs.  Consequently, greater emphasis should be placed on identifying problems of enforcement and on developing scientific methodology to aid in detection and conviction of offenders.

Authors