• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
RAC Warns Hay Fever Sufferers They Could Be Arrested If They Drive While Taking Antihistamine Tablets

Home> News

Published 16:52 15 Jun 2022 GMT+1

RAC Warns Hay Fever Sufferers They Could Be Arrested If They Drive While Taking Antihistamine Tablets

RAC have issued a warning to Brits with hay fever

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

Troubling hay fever symptoms such as - sneezing, crying, headaches - are about to get even more troubling if you're driving.

RAC has warned hay fever sufferers in the UK that they could be arrested for being behind the wheel after having antihistamines.

For many of us, taking antihistamine often seems like the only way to get some relief from the constant sneezing and irritation during the summer season.

However, possible side affects include drowsiness, nausea and even blurred vision. And although the drugs are perfectly legal to take, the automotive services company points out that it remains illegal to drive if you’re unfit to do so.

Advert

Notably, it's always worth checking the packaging for any information on whether the antihistamine is suitable for consumption while driving.

Alamy

RAC claims that the side-effects can 'make you more likely to have an accident'.

The service company said: "If you do cause a crash, you could end up with a criminal record. The police can ask you to do a ‘field impairment assessment’ and take a roadside drugalyser test.

"If they think you’re not fit to drive, you’ll be arrested and could be prosecuted.

Advert

"A conviction for drug-driving carries a minimum one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine. In extreme cases, you could receive a six-month jail sentence."

As a precaution, they added: "Always check the label of any medication you take before getting behind the wheel.

"If in doubt, ask your pharmacist if it could affect your ability to drive. Some remedies are covered by the same drug-driving laws as cocaine and cannabis.

"If your symptoms are mild, stick to nasal sprays and eye drops that won’t cause drowsiness.

"Keep windows closed, even when parked – if left open they can trap pollen in the car."

A motoring expert at Peter Vardy also claims that driving with symptoms of hay fever could land you with a £1,000 fine.

Advert

Craig Forbes, motoring expert at Peter Vardy, says: "Drivers must take responsibility for assessing their own fitness to drive when experiencing symptoms."

"There are ways to minimise symptoms of hay fever during spring, but if your eyes are extremely watery and you feel unwell, your driving could be impaired and you may wish to consider alternative travel in order to avoid a fine."

According to the Highway Code, ‘failure to have proper control of the vehicle and a full view of the road,’ can be punishable by an £1,000 fine.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Weather, UK News

Anish Vij
Anish Vij

Anish is a Journalist at LADbible Group and is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2025. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

X

@Anish_Vij

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
  • 9 hours ago

    Man who killed twisted murderer Jeffrey Dahmer explains why he did it

    The notorious serial killer was killed in 1994

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Elon Musk forms his 'own political party' after fallout with Trump

    Looks like the tech billionaire isn't done with politics after all

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Woman who lives in underground bunker with no windows reveals how much she saves on rent

    At least she's ready for the apocalypse

    News
  • 9 hours ago

    Man who chose to live underwater for 100 days to see what would happen to his body reveals shocking impact it had

    Dr Joseph Dituri spent 100 days at sea in 2023

    News
  • Hay fever sufferers warned over 'illegal' treatment that could cause huge damage to you
  • Hay fever sufferers 'using nasal spray wrong their whole lives' as proper way is revealed
  • Doctor explains key signs that your 'hay fever' is actually new Covid strain
  • Leaving your car unattended while it defrosts could have huge legal consequences