Drug driving offences now higher than drink driving, finds IAM RoadSmart

30,707 drug driving offences were added to licences in 2025.

More drivers are receiving endorsements for drug driving than drink driving, according to DVLA data analysed by IAM RoadSmart.

30,707 drug driving offences were added to licences in 2025, compared with 29,769 drink driving offences.

Figures for drug driving increased by 28% between 2022 and 2025, while drink driving offences decreased by 17% over the same period.

IAM RoadSmart warned that drug driving offences were disproportionately committed by younger people, with the 17 to 24 age group receiving 18% of all endorsements in 2025, despite making up 6% of all licence holders.

In January 2025, IAM RoadSmart found that roadside drug tests were returning a 50% positivity rate, compared with 16% for alcohol.

44% of drug driving offences were committed by a reoffender.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and external communications at IAM RoadSmart, said: “It’s becoming clear that the UK is mired in a drug driving epidemic, to the point where it may now be more of a threat on our streets than drink driving.

“These figures demonstrate the need for radical action to support police forces and reduce harm to all other road users.