Can Prescription Drugs Result in DUI Charges in Michigan?

The laws surrounding OWI, or DUI, in Michigan are strict, extending beyond alcohol to include prescription drugs. Driving under the influence of legally prescribed medication can lead to serious criminal charges if the drug impairs a person’s ability to drive safely. Understanding Michigan’s OWI law is essential for all drivers. Continue reading and work with a knowledgeable Marquette DUI lawyer for more information and legal advice today.

Can Prescription Drugs Result in DUI Charges in MI?

Yes, the use of prescription drugs can result in DUI charges in Michigan, even when taken as prescribed. The legal standard for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), commonly referred to as DUI, extends beyond alcohol and illegal narcotics to include any drug, including legally prescribed medications, that impairs a person’s ability to drive safely.

Michigan Compiled Laws 257.625 prohibits driving when the presence of any amount of a controlled substance causes a driver’s abilities to be substantially lessened. This means that if a person is driving under the influence of their prescription medication and that medication impairs their judgment, coordination, or response time to a degree that makes driving unsafe, they can be charged with an OWI.

It doesn’t matter whether the drug was legally obtained, but whether the driver was impaired while operating the vehicle. Even if a doctor prescribed the drug, and the driver took the correct dosage, they may still face criminal charges if their driving provides evidence of impairment.

What Types of Medication Can Cause Impairment?

Many prescription medications, despite their benefits, carry side effects that can significantly impair a person’s ability to drive safely. Common side effects that lead to impairment include drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, reduced concentration, impaired judgment, and delayed reaction times.

These effects can mimic alcohol intoxication and substantially lessen a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. It is crucial for drivers to understand the risks associated with their medications before getting behind the wheel. Some medications that can cause impairment include:

• Opioid pain relievers like OxyContin and Vicodin
• Antidepressants like Zoloft and Paxil
• Sleep medications like Ambien and Lunesta
• Muscle relaxants like Flexeril and Soma
• Antihistamines, especially sedating types like Benadryl
• Certain anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax and Valium

Even when used as prescribed, these medications have the potential to cause impairment and intoxication which makes driving a vehicle both dangerous and unlawful. This is especially true when you have just recently started taking the prescription, increased your dosage, or when the drug mixes with alcohol or other substances.

For more information and to secure the help of an experienced legal professional, contact an attorney at Berger Law today.