Penalties for drivers using ‘drugs’ but no recent detection – Traffic Chief

The Guyana Police Force is again warning that driving under the influence of drugs carries the same serious legal consequences as drunk driving and Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh says that such offences are not being taken lightly.

Under the law, any person found driving or attempting to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are liable on summary conviction to a fine of no less than $30,000 and no more than $60,000, or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

For repeat offenders, the penalties increase to a fine of no less than $40,000 and up to $80,000, along with possible imprisonment.

While breathalyzer tests are commonly used to detect alcohol levels, the Traffic Chief explained that detecting drug, such as marijuana, which causes changes in mood, thoughts and perceptions of reality, presents additional challenges.

“Persons are looking at it from the standpoint that we utilize a device to test for alcohol… but with drugs, it is different,” he said.

He noted that in such cases, suspects may be asked to consent to blood testing to determine the presence of drugs in their system.

However, enforcement is also heavily dependent on police observation and reports from the public.

The Traffic Chief explained that ranks rely on behaviour and driving patterns to identify possible cases.

“What we do is based on observation or report… the manner in which a person drives can indicate whether they are under the influence, inexperienced, or distracted,” he said.

He added that once a driver is stopped, officers look for additional signs, including physical indicators and other evidence, before proceeding further.

Despite growing concerns about drug use globally, the Traffic Chief said there have been few known cases locally.

“For the longest while, I’ve not been privy to seeing such cases,” he stated.

Still, he acknowledged that more can be done, especially as new trends emerge.

“Each day you will see different things happening… persons experiment, and law enforcement must ensure the law prevails,” he added.

Addressing concerns about whether Guyana is lagging behind other countries, the Traffic Chief insisted that the police are actively addressing the issue.

“From a Guyana Police Force standpoint, nothing is being taken lightly,” he said.

He noted that the Force remains committed to enforcing the law and preventing unsafe practices on the roadways.

And so, he is reminding the public that the law makes no distinction between alcohol and drugs when it comes to impaired driving.