Drug-driving is increasingly coming under the spotlight alongside drink-driving as a major road safety issue. Now, shock new analysis reveals that drivers caught operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs are five times more likely to repeat the offence than drink-drivers.
More than 12,300 drivers were caught drug-driving on at least three separate occasions in the 11 years to July 2025, according to new RAC analysis of DVLA figures. That compares with a figure of 2,553 drink-drive convictions over the same period.
Overall, 41,422 licence holders were convicted of drug-driving more than once in the last 11 years.
And the analysis highlights some stark examples of reoffending. One driver racked up 18 separate ‘DG10’ drug-driving convictions, while another had 17. Several others have between 12 and 14 convictions and 94 motorists currently have eight drug‑driving offences on their record. In total, 32 drivers have 10 separate drug-driving convictions, while 38 have nine.
DG10 endorsements are given to motorists caught driving, or attempting to drive, with a controlled drug level above the legal limit. This can include specified limits of prescription medicines such as morphine or diazepam or having certain levels of illegal drugs in your blood.
Rod Dennis, senior policy officer at the motoring organisation, said that while drink-driving dominated UK headlines, the new data exposed the rapidly growing crisis of drug-driving.
“Drug-driving reoffending rates dwarf those of drink-driving, which suggests that current penalties aren’t effective in preventing some drug-drivers from repeating their crimes and putting everyone at risk. Introducing a national drug-driving rehabilitation scheme – similar to what is in place for drink-driving – could also help to drive down reoffending.”
