Driving after drugs in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Ireland has a per se limit for specified drugs in whole blood, including 1 ng/ml THC, measured within 3 hours of driving. A medical exemption certificate covers prescribed cannabis only. Gardaí can require a roadside oral fluid test, and conviction brings a disqualification of at least 1 year.

RuleWhat applies
Approach to cannabis (THC)Driving a car after drug useNumeric limit [1]
THC thresholdDriving a car after drug use1 ng/ml THC in whole blood (5 ng/ml for the metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC) [1]
Prescribed medicinesDriving a car after drug useException for prescribed medicine [1]
Police screening testDriving a car after drug useYes [1]
Main sanctionsDriving a car after drug useOn summary conviction a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both; disqualification from driving of at least 1 year for a first offence and at least 2 years for a second or subsequent offence [2]

Notes

  • Whole-blood levels in the Schedule: THC 1 ng/ml; its metabolite 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC 5 ng/ml; cocaine 10 ng/ml; benzoylecgonine 50 ng/ml; 6-acetylmorphine (heroin) 5 ng/ml. The offence applies where the concentration found within 3 hours of driving is at or above the level. Driving while so intoxicated as to be incapable of proper control (section 4(1)) is a separate offence. Text of the Act as updated to 1 January 2026.
  • The exception is a medical exemption certificate, signed by the prescribing doctor, showing that THC was lawfully prescribed. It covers the two cannabis entries only; the other scheduled drugs have no exception.
  • Ban periods are from section 26(4)(ba) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (inserted by the Road Traffic Act 2016, section 21). The fine and prison term are the maximum on summary conviction; the court sets the sentence.

Sources

  1. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts): Road Traffic Act 2010, section 4 and Schedule (revised, updated to 1 January 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts): Road Traffic Act 1961, section 26 (revised, updated to 20 January 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.