Alcohol and hard drugs aren’t the only substances that can land you a DWI conviction. Driving under the influence of many prescription drugs can also carry the same penalties.
Minnesota Statute 169A.20 defines “driving while impaired” to include driving under the influence of…
- Any amount of controlled substance classified as Schedule I or II;
- A hazardous substance that affects the nervous system, brain, or muscles in a way that impairs the ability to drive or operate a motor vehicle.
Many prescription drugs contain substances classified by the federal government as Schedule II:
Opiates
- Codeine (Tylenol-3 and 4)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab)
- Morphine
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Fentanyl (Sublimaze, Actiq)
- Methadone
Stimulants
- Amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine)
- Methyphenidate (Ritalin)
- Lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse)
Many of these drugs are routinely prescribed by doctors. But, a person can still be charged with a DWI even if they are only taking their prescribed amount.
It is difficult to discern which prescription drugs qualify as hazardous, and many drivers may have a hard time recognizing if their nervous system, brain, or muscular functions are impaired by a given drug. Not all prescription drugs that cause impairment are marked with a caution to not drive or operate a vehicle.
There are many factors that may influence a prescription drug DWI charge. Stay tuned for part 2 of our Prescription Drug DWI series, and remember— if you are faced with a prescription drug DWI…
- DO NOT submit to any field sobriety tests
- DO DEMAND to speak with your criminal defense attorney before answering ANY questions.
Read more about Prescription Drug DWI procedures and defenses.
Related Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice DEA Office of Diversion Control
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes
