A 2-minute lesson from the New Mexico course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Alcohol isn't the only impairing drug. Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and illegal drugs, can affect driving as much as alcohol, or worse.
Know the rule
Driving under the influence of any drug that makes you drive unsafely is against the law.
Illegal drugs harm your health and your driving. Studies show marijuana users make more mistakes, have more trouble adjusting to glare, and are arrested for traffic violations more than other drivers.
Pep pills, "uppers" and diet pills make a driver feel more alert for a short time, but later can cause nervousness, dizziness, poor concentration and affected vision.
Your allergy medicine's label warns it may cause drowsiness, and you need to drive to work. Ask a pharmacist or doctor about side effects, and don't drive if it makes you drowsy.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Is it legal to drive under the influence of an over-the-counter drug that impairs your driving?
Yes, since it's not a controlled substance
Yes, as long as you drive under the speed limit
Yes, if you only drive short distances
No, it is against the law
Answer: No, it is against the law
Driving under the influence of any drug — prescription or over-the-counter — that impairs your driving is against the law.