Driving Under the Influence of Medicines

Question 1

What is the main purpose of the Land Transport Act?

Answer 1

Prohibits driving under the influence of medication that impairs one’s ability to drive

Question 2

LTA11A

Answer 2

Persons may not drive or attempt to drive while impaired and their blood contains evidence of use of qualifying drug

Question 3

LTA11A - Persons may not drive or attempt to drive while impaired and their blood contains evidence of use of qualifying drug

two points

Answer 3

A person may not drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle while:

a) impaired, AND
b) that person’s blood contains evidence of the use of a qualifying drug

Note: presence of drug in blood not enough to be convicted –> driving ability must also be affected

Question 4

LTA12

Answer 4

Persons not to drive while under influence of alcohol or drugs

Question 5

LTA12 - Persons not to drive while under influence of alcohol or drugs

extent of influence

Answer 5

Under the influence of alcohol or drugs until the extent of being incapable of having proper control of the vehicle

Question 6

LTA18

Answer 6

Health practitioners to give Agency medical reports of persons unfit to drive

Question 7

LTA18 - Health practitioners to give Agency medical reports of persons unfit to drive

Answer 7

Must be reported if the mental condition of the licence holder (in interests of public safety):

i) should not be permitted to drive motor vehicles
ii) should only be permitted to drive motor vehicles subject to limitations warranted by mental/physical condition

Question 8

MR42

Answer 8

Generic substitition is permitted pursuant to seven key criteria:

1. Authorised prescriber has not marked on the prescription “No brand substitution permitted”
2. Substituted brand contains same active ingredient & no others
3. Same dose & strength
4. No clinical reason why substituted brand should not be supplied
5. Pharmacist records brand substitution on prescription
6. Pharmacist signs & dates prescription
7. Pharmacist informs patient of brand substitution

HOWEVER, ANTIEPILEPTICS ARE NOT BIOEQUIVALENT, AND THEREFORE BRAND SUBSTITUTION IS NOT ALLOWED.