Drugs behind the wheel

Verified 27 August 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

Wondering if you can drive after consuming a little cannabis? We tell you what you need to know about drugs while driving (narcotic drugs).

He is forbidden to drive after use of narcotics : cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, opiates, LSD: titleContent…

The prohibition applies whatever the quantity of drugs used.

In case of accompanied driving, the prohibition shall also apply to the person accompanying the student driver.

You can consult the updated list of substances or plants classified as narcotic on the Legifrance website.

Screening is mandatory in the event of a fatal or bodily accident (injuries) on the road.

Screening is optional in the following cases

  • You are involved in a material traffic accident
  • You are the alleged perpetrator of a offense road
  • You're suspected of taking a narcotic.

The police (police, gendarmerie) or the public prosecutor may also decide to make a narcotics screening operation.

Screening

Law enforcement is using a saliva test to screen for drug use.

There is also a urine test, but it is used less. Only a doctor can do it.

FYI  

If you refuse to do the saliva test, or if you are unable to do it, a salivary or blood sampling is performed.

Verification

If the screening test is positive, law enforcement agencies shall carry out a salivary sampling to check for drug use.

Law enforcement must ask you if you wish reserve the right to request a counter-expertise. If the answer is positive, a doctor, a medical intern or a nurse, performs a blood sample (blood test). This blood test can also be used to check if you are taking a medical treatment. Salivary or blood sampling is then analyzed by an approved laboratory or expert.

To request a counter-expertise or research of the use of drugs, you must indicate, at the time of saliva sampling, that you want a blood sample to be taken.

You must make the request within 5 days following the notification the result of the analysis of the saliva or blood sample.

Check the notification of results to find out which court to apply to.

Driving after using narcotics shall be punished by a maximum of 3 years' imprisonment and €9,000 maximum fine. If you also drive under the influence of alcohol, you risk up to 5 years in prison and €15,000 of fine.

Driving while clearly using drugs is punishable by up to 3 years' imprisonment and €9,000 maximum fine. If you also drive in a state of obvious intoxication, you face up to 5 years in prison and €15,000 of fine.

Your vehicle can be immobilized. If you also drive under the influence of alcohol, the police must, with the authorization of the prefect, the fixed asset and the impounding of the vehicle.

6 points are removed from your driver's license, or 9 points if you also drive under the influence of alcohol.

You also risk additional penalties following:

  • Suspension of license for a period of up to 5 years (with no accommodation possible outside the professional activity)
  • Cancelation of the permit and prohibition to apply for a new permit for a maximum of 5 years
  • Sentence of community service
  • Sentence of fine days
  • Prohibition to drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a maximum period of 5 years
  • Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
  • Obligation to complete, at your expense, an awareness course on the dangers of the use of narcotic drugs and the misuse of everyday consumer products to obtain psychoactive effects
  • Confiscation of the vehicle. Confiscation is mandatory if you also drive under the influence of alcohol. However, the judge may not pronounce the confiscation sentence provided that state the reasons for its decision.

In the case of a positive test, refusing to submit to the checks to establish the use of narcotics  shall be punished by 3 years of maximum imprisonment and €9,000 maximum fine.

6 points are removed from your driving license

You also risk additional penalties following:

  • Suspension of license for a period of up to 3 years (without any possible accommodation outside the professional activity)
  • Cancelation of the permit and prohibition to apply for a new permit for a maximum of 3 years
  • Sentence of community service
  • Sentence of fine days
  • Prohibition to drive certain vehicles, including vehicles without a license, for a maximum period of 5 years
  • Obligation to perform, at your expense, a road safety awareness course
  • Obligation to undertake, at your expense, an awareness-raising course on the dangers of the use of narcotic drugs and the misuse of everyday consumer products to obtain psychoactive effects;
  • Confiscation of your vehicle.

In case of recurrence driving after using narcotics, driving again after having obviously used narcotics, or refusing to submit to the checks designed to establish the use of narcotics, your driving license is canceled. You are prohibited from applying for a new driver's license for up to 3 years.

You also risk additional penalties following:

  • Compulsory confiscation of the vehicle. However, the judge may not pronounce the confiscation sentence provided that state the reasons for its decision.
  • Immobilization of the vehicle used to commit the offense for up to one year if owned by you.

Driving after use of narcotics is a aggravating circumstance in the event of an accident.

In case of driving after using narcotics:

  • Causing the death of others, without intention to give it, constitutes a road homicide punishable by 7 years' imprisonment and €100,000 of fine.
  • Causing others, without intent to harm, a total incapacity for work (ITT) for more than 3 months, constitutes road injuries resulting in an ITT greater than 3 months punishable by 5 years of imprisonment and €75,000 of fine.
  • Causing another person, without intent to harm, an ITT for a period of less than or equal to 3 months constitutes road injuries resulting in an ITT of less than or equal to 3 months punishable by 3 years' imprisonment and €45,000 of fine.

You also risk additional penalties.

In the case of multiple aggravating circumstances, penalties are increased. For example, driving after drug use and in a state of obvious intoxication.

In addition, in the case of road homicide or road injuries, when circumstances suggest that you may no longer be fit to drive, you must pass a medical examination, at your expense. The medical examination must be carried out within 72 hours of the road accident or from the moment your health condition allows it. You must contact a licensed city doctor. The list of approved doctors is available on the websites of the prefectures.

In case of accident after use of narcotics , your insurance company will apply sanctions (increase in contributions, termination of the contract, etc.).

On the same subject

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • By phone

    0,800 23 13 13 (free and anonymous call)

    Open from 8am to 2am, 7 days a week

    Information about drugs, alcohol, addictions including gambling addiction.

    Listening, support, advice and guidance.

    You can call that you are concerned directly or indirectly through drug use.

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