Why Compare Drug Driving Insurance?
Drug Driving Laws Have Tightened Significantly
Since 2015, police can test for 17 controlled substances at the roadside. Around 20,000 people were sentenced for drug driving in England and Wales in 2024 (as at Ministry of Justice 2024 data). Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who understand the current market.
Prescription Medication Can Trigger A Conviction
Not all drug driving convictions involve illegal substances. Driving while over the specified limit for prescribed medication like diazepam or morphine can result in a DG or DR code. Clean Green Cars introduces you to brokers who know which insurers distinguish between illegal and prescribed drugs.
Comparing Could Make A Real Difference
Drug driving convictions are among the most expensive to insure. The gap between the most competitive and most expensive quote could be significant. Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who compare across panels to find a more competitively priced policy.
Drug Driving Convictions At A Glance
- Your DG or DR code can be reviewed by specialist convicted-driver brokers.
- Your code, conviction date and driving history may affect available quotes.
- Different drug-driving codes can lead to different underwriting questions.
- If your code is DG10, use the dedicated DG10 car insurance page.
- Visit the convicted driver insurance hub if you have other endorsements.
UK Drug Driving Limits
Since March 2015, it has been an offence to drive with certain drugs above specified limits in your blood. The limits are set very low for illegal drugs (effectively zero tolerance) and at higher thresholds for prescription medication.
For a DG10 endorsement, use the dedicated DG10 car insurance page. For other non-fatal drug-related endorsements, review DG40 in charge above the drug limit, DR80 unfit through drugs and DR90 in charge while unfit through drugs. DG60 causing death by careless driving above the drug limit is the fatal-outcome DG code and should be considered separately.
| Substance | Type | Legal Limit (blood) |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis (THC) | Illegal | 2 micrograms per litre |
| Cocaine (benzoylecgonine) | Illegal | 50 micrograms per litre |
| MDMA (ecstasy) | Illegal | 10 micrograms per litre |
| Ketamine | Illegal | 20 micrograms per litre |
| Diazepam | Prescription | 550 micrograms per litre |
| Morphine | Prescription | 80 micrograms per litre |
| Clonazepam | Prescription | 50 micrograms per litre |
Please note that these limits were correct as at March 2015 when the legislation was introduced. Always check GOV.UK for the most current information.
The penalties for drug driving convictions are severe and broadly mirror those for drink driving.
Since the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, the maximum sentence for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs (including DG60) is life imprisonment, raised from 14 years.
| Offence | Code | Typical Ban | Points | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving or attempting to drive with drug level above the specified limit | DG10 | 12-36 months | 3-11 | Unlimited |
| In charge of a vehicle while drug level above the specified limit | DG40 | May not be banned | 10 | Up to £2,500 |
| Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs | DG60 | Minimum 5 years | 3-11 | Unlimited (plus up to life imprisonment) |
| Driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs | DR80 | Obligatory minimum 12 months (3 years for repeat offence within 10 years) | 3-11 | Unlimited |
| In charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs | DR90 | Discretionary | 10 (fixed) | Up to £2,500 |
Find Your Drug Driving Code
Each drug driving conviction carries a specific code. Choose yours below for detailed insurance guidance.
Driving with drug level above the specified limit. The most common drug driving code.
DG10 car insurance guideIn charge of a vehicle while drug level above specified limit.
Compare DG40 quotesCausing death by careless driving with drug level above the limit.
Compare DG60 quotesDriving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs. An older code still in use.
Compare DR80 quotesIn charge of a vehicle when unfit through drugs.
Compare DR90 quotesWhat Our Expert Says
Drug-driving convictions may lead to fewer available quotes or higher premiums. The outcome depends on your code, driving history and individual circumstances.
Some insurers may assess prescribed medication and illegal drug offences differently. The circumstances should be described accurately when quotes are requested.
A completed rehabilitation course may be relevant to some insurers. Each provider takes its own approach.
Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Common Drug Driving Insurance Questions
Can You Get Car Insurance With A Drug Driving Conviction?
Yes. Specialist brokers cover drivers with DG and DR codes every day. Your price could be higher than a clean-licence policy, but cover is available at all three levels.
What Is The Difference Between DG And DR Drug Driving Codes?
DG codes (DG10, DG40, DG60) test whether your blood drug levels exceeded a set limit. They were introduced in 2015. DR codes (DR80, DR90) test whether your driving was impaired by drugs, regardless of blood levels.
How Long Does A Drug Driving Conviction Stay On Your Licence?
It depends on your code. DG10, DG60, and DR80 stay on your licence for 11 years. DG40 and DR90 last 4 years. You must answer your insurer's questions truthfully, which usually means declaring the conviction whenever they ask about motoring convictions - often for at least 5 years, and sometimes longer for serious drug driving offences - even though some DG and DR endorsements remain on your licence for up to 11 years.
Do I Have To Declare A Drug Driving Conviction To My Insurer?
Yes. You must tell your insurer about every unspent drug driving conviction. Most insurers ask about convictions from the last 5 years, but some ask about serious offences for longer. Not declaring could invalidate your cover.
What Is A Drug-Drive Rehabilitation Course?
The court may offer this course after certain drug driving convictions. Completing it could reduce your driving ban by up to 25%. It does not remove the conviction from your licence, but it may help demonstrate to insurers that you have taken steps to address the offence.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost After A Drug Driving Conviction?
There is no fixed price. Your quote depends on the specific code, time since offence, points, and your wider driving history. Comparing through specialist brokers could help you find a fairer price.
How Long Does A Drug Driving Conviction Affect Your Insurance?
Most insurers ask about convictions for 5 years, though some ask longer for serious offences. Your premium could reduce over time as the conviction ages, especially once points clear from your licence.
Does A Drug Driving Conviction Invalidate Your Existing Insurance?
It could if you do not tell your insurer. You must declare any new conviction to your current provider. Failing to do so could invalidate your cover and leave you uninsured.
What Happens After I Submit My Details?
After you fill in the form, Clean Green Cars introduces you to specialist brokers who cover convicted drivers. They contact you with quotes based on your details and conviction. You are under no obligation to accept any quote.
How Drug Driving Affects Your Insurance
Drug driving convictions typically result in higher premium loadings than drink driving. This is partly because insurers have less historical data to price them accurately. The offence is relatively new in its current form, and many insurers are still developing their approach.
Prescription medication convictions are generally viewed more favourably than illegal drug convictions, though this varies between insurers. If your conviction involved prescribed medication, make sure your broker communicates this clearly. Some insurers have specific schemes for prescription-related cases.
As with all motoring convictions, the loading could reduce over time. Drug driving convictions stay on your licence for 11 years but typically affect your premium for around 5 years. Comparing at each renewal is important because the gap between insurers may narrow as the conviction ages.
Telematics car insurance could help demonstrate safe driving after a drug driving conviction. If you need short-term cover, temporary car insurance for convicted drivers may also be available. Drivers who also have speeding points should check how combined endorsements affect pricing. Van and motorbike cover for convicted drivers is also available.
Search & Compare Quotes From UK Drug Driving Car Insurance Providers
Useful Resources
- GOV.UK - Drug Driving Law - Official guidance on drug driving limits, penalties, and the law in England and Wales.
- GOV.UK - Penalty Points - Find out when your points expire and how the totting-up system works.
- DVLA - Check Your Licence - View your current points and convictions online.
- GOV.UK - Driving Disqualifications - Official guidance on when you could be disqualified and how to get your licence back.
