Prescription Drugs & DUIs in Illinois
Imagine this: You take your prescribed medication in the morning, just like always. Later, you’re driving home from work when flashing police lights appear in your rearview mirror. The officer asks if you’ve been drinking, but you haven’t had a drop of alcohol. Then comes the shocking news—you’re being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) because of your prescription medication.
Most people assume that DUIs only apply to alcohol or illegal drugs, but in Illinois, you can be charged with a DUI for legally prescribed medications if they impair your ability to drive. Let’s break down how prescription drugs can affect your driving, what the legal consequences are, and what you can do if you’re facing DUI charges.
How Prescription Medications Can Impair Driving
Many common prescription drugs can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Here are some of the most problematic ones:
🔹 Painkillers (Opioids) – Medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and reduced alertness, making it dangerous to operate a vehicle.
🔹 Anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines) – Drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Ativan can lead to sedation, poor concentration, and slowed reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
These and other medications can cause:
Motor Skill Impairment – Trouble steering, braking, or making controlled movements.
Delayed Reaction Times – Difficulty responding to sudden stops, turns, or unexpected hazards.
Cognitive Impairment – Memory lapses, confusion, or impaired decision-making behind the wheel.
Even if a doctor prescribes your medication, you are still legally responsible for ensuring it doesn’t impair your ability to drive.
Many people don’t realize that Illinois law does not distinguish between illegal drugs and prescription medications when it comes to DUIs. If your medication impairs your driving, you can be charged—even if you took it exactly as prescribed. If you’re unsure whether your medication affects your ability to drive, consult your doctor or err on the side of caution.
How Law Enforcement Determines Prescription Drug Impairment
During a DUI stop, police officers use several methods to determine whether you are too impaired to drive:
Officer Observations – Slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty following instructions can all be warning signs to an officer.
Field Sobriety Tests – These tests check balance, coordination, and cognitive function, including the Walk-and-Turn and One-Leg Stand tests.
Chemical Tests – While breathalyzers detect alcohol, blood or urine tests are often used to check for the presence of prescription or illegal drugs.
Even if you legally take a prescription drug, failing these tests can lead to a DUI arrest.
The Consequences of a DUI for Prescription Medications
Being convicted of DUI due to prescription medication carries serious legal penalties:
First-Time Offense:
Fines, community service, and DUI education or treatment programs
Possible driver’s license suspension
Increased insurance rates
Repeat Offenses or Aggravated Cases:
Longer license suspension or revocation
Jail time
Higher fines
Beyond the legal penalties, a DUI conviction can impact your job, reputation, and personal life. Employers who require a clean driving record may see a DUI conviction as a red flag, making it harder to secure certain jobs.
Prescription medications can help manage medical conditions, but they can also land you with a DUI charge if they impair your driving. Illinois law takes impaired driving seriously, regardless of whether the substance is legal or prescribed. If you’ve been charged with DUI due to a prescription drug, don’t panic but take it seriously.
Contact an experienced Lake County DUI attorney – Alan Lenczycki can analyze your case, challenge improper evidence, and explore possible defenses.
Document your prescription – If you were taking your medication as directed, this may play a role in your defense.
Understand your rights – Many people assume they must plead guilty, but legal defenses do exist, especially if the impairment was not clearly proven.
Your freedom, license, and future may depend on it. Contact Libertyville criminal defense attorney, Alan Lenczycki, today for a free initial consultation.
