Hay fever warning about antihistamine use while driving rules

Hay fever sufferers are being warned that there could be problems with their medication. Very high pollen levels have been predicted in most parts of the country this week.

It comes as the Met Office confirmed that Britain will see the hottest temperatures of 2024 so far in just days. Heatwaves are forecast for parts of the UK, while a yellow health alert will be in place for most of England.

It can be tempting to take antihistamines as the pollen count rises. But drivers are warned that choosing the drug can have legal implications.

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Antihistamines can provide much-needed relief to allergy sufferers, The Sun reports. But side effects can include drowsiness, so it’s important to know the rules of driving when taking them.

Is it illegal to take hay fever medication while driving?

It may be against the law to drive with legal drugs in your system if it affects your driving. Many hay fever medications—especially older antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine—can cause drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive.

But there are non-drowsy alternatives that include the active ingredients cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine or levocetirizine. These can be taken to ease the symptoms of hay fever.

You should ask your GP or pharmacist if you are not sure about driving while taking antihistamines. Ben Pitcher, car expert and owner of DPF Experts, said: “While taking hay fever medication before driving may relieve your hay fever symptoms, it could also lead to a fine.

“Although relatively harmless, antihistamines are classified as pharmaceutical drugs and can cause drowsiness, affecting your ability to drive.”

Can I be fined for taking antihistamines while driving?

You can be fined for driving while impaired by any substance if it affects your ability to drive safely, including antihistamines. Mr Pitcher said: “Driving under the influence of any drug, including over-the-counter drugs, is illegal if it impairs your ability and can be considered ‘drug driving’.

“This can lead to a one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine or even six months in prison in the most serious cases.” Driving while having antihistamines in your system could lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on your licence.

Is it a crime to drive under the influence of antihistamines?

The Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offense to drive while under the influence of drugs. In the UK, it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs that affect your ability to drive, whether they are prescription drugs such as antihistamines or illegal substances.

If you are stopped by the police and they have reason to believe that you are impaired by drugs, they may conduct roadside tests. Always consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist about your medication and its potential effects on driving.

You should also read the information leaflet that comes with the medicine and follow any warnings about driving or using machines.