A new Consensus Report on Drug-Driving has been released by Doctors for Road Safety, the Maltese Association of Psychiatry, and FSWS-Sedqa. The report was prepared at the request of the Government of Malta to guide upcoming changes to traffic laws.
Key Points
- Driving under the influence of drugs is a growing safety risk.
- Other European countries use different approaches – some enforce zero tolerance, others allow driving if drug levels stay below set limits.
- Medical cannabis users may have protections, but they must never drive while impaired.
- Mixing alcohol and drugs greatly increases crash risk – experts recommend zero alcohol tolerance in such cases.
- Roadside drug tests will play a key role, with follow-up lab tests when needed.
Recommendations for Malta
- Clear legal limits for common drugs such as cannabis.
- Zero tolerance for alcohol if drugs are detected.
- Stronger police training and use of technology (body cameras, dashboard systems).
- Medical exemption protocols for patients with prescriptions.
- Public awareness campaigns, especially targeting young drivers.
Why it matters
The report aims to make Malta’s roads safer by reducing accidents caused by drug-impaired driving, while also protecting the rights of patients who use prescribed medicines responsibly.