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New figures published by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart show that drug driving offences have overtaken drink driving offences for the first time.
Analysis of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data found that more than 30,000 drug driving endorsements were issued in 2025, representing a 28% increase since 2022. Over the same period, drink driving endorsements fell by 17%. The figures also indicate that drivers aged 17–24 accounted for almost one in five drug driving offences, despite making up a much smaller proportion of licence holders.
IAM RoadSmart said the findings reflect growing concerns about the prevalence of drug driving and highlighted the continued road safety risks associated with driving while impaired by both illegal and prescription drugs. The charity has called for further measures to tackle reoffending and improve rehabilitation.
Members, particularly those operating fleet or driver risk management programmes, may wish to review the findings and continue to reinforce the importance of ensuring employees understand their responsibilities when driving under the influence of legal or illegal drugs.
