Most common prescription drugs in Spain that affect driving
Many medications available in Spain can impair driving by causing dizziness, blurred vision or fatigue
Motorists driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol contribute greatly to the number of road traffic accidents reported on Spanish roads, but what many people don’t know is that there are several prescription and over-the-counter medications that can impair one’s ability to drive safely.
The General Council of Official Associations of Pharmacists of Spain reported in 2021 that 17% of drivers state that they are undergoing pharmacological treatment, and that three quarters of them have not been warned about the effect of their medication when driving.
How to know if a drug is unsuitable for driving?
In Spain, a third of the drugs that exist (specifically 5,800) include a pictogram on their packaging that warns of their possible interaction with driving. The purpose is none other than to warn the patient to read the information regarding the effects on driving contained in the booklet.
The warning label is a red triangle containing a black car on a white background; underneath is written: “Driving: see leaflet”.
You might also like: Alcohol and driving in Spain: legal limits and recommendations
It’s important to remember that this warning does not prohibit motorists from getting behind the wheel; it is merely intended to warn drivers of the possible side-effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision or lack of coordination.
For this reason, it is always advisable to consult the doctor who prescribed the drugs to clarify any doubts regarding the effects it may have on driving ability.
What the law says about driving and prescription medication:
Article 14 of RD 6/2015 states that “the driver of any vehicle with the presence of drugs in the body, which excludes those substances that are used under medical prescription and for therapeutic purposes”, may NOT drive on Spanish roads, “provided that he is in a position to use the vehicle in accordance with the obligation of diligence, caution and non-distraction established in this rule”.
Image 1: DGT
Image 2: Policia Local La Nucia
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