Drug-driving convictions in alarming 2024 rise

The number of motorists found guilty of drug-driving saw a sharp 13.5% increase in 2024, according to new court statistics from the Ministry of Justice.

Nearly 27,000 motorists were convicted of drug-driving offences – whereas drink-driving convictions continued to fall.

Drink-driving convictions were down 5.8% last year, to around 40,500, continuing a decline that dates back to 2022.

The rate of increase in drug-driving offences and decline in drink-driving prosecutions, means that, within a few years, the number of both offences could become closely-matched.  

Interestingly, says the AA, recorded drug-driving convictions were 11.5% less than prosecutions in the courts, whereas for speeding, the difference was almost double, at 22%.

"The stark difference between the two offences suggests drug-drivers can expect the full weight of the law to land on them," says the AA. "It’s a clear message to anyone who fancies their chances of escaping prosecution and conviction for drug-driving, or being caught in the first place."

AA head of roads policy Jack Cousens added that while it was good that police forces are catching and prosecting offenders, it is of great concern that more drivers are willing to get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs.

Another striking statistics from the Ministry of Justice court data was a staggering rise in the number of motorists being convicted for driving without VED - or car tax as it's more commonly known.

A total of 129,780 motorists were convicted of the offence in 2024, up 29.1% in just one year.

It’s a huge increase of more than 85% on the 51,546 motorists convicted of this offence just three years ago. The figures could suggest the cost of living crisis is really starting to impact car owners.

Backing this up, a further 93,936 motorists were convicted of driving without insurance, with 52,895 more convicted of keeping a vehicle without insurance.

The biggest motoring offence taking up the courts’ time was speeding, with a huge 276,107 drivers prosecuted and 213,997 found guilty of it.

Surprisingly, a hefty 132,871 drivers were prosecuted for not advising who the driver was at the time of an offence when requested. 82,810 of them were convicted for this.

Ask HJ

How can I challenge a speeding fine?

I've received a ticket for doing 36mph in a 30mph. I'm so careful about speed and I don't think my speed has been measured accurately. Would you please advise how I can challenge the recording of my speed? The ticket doesn't give any advice.

Assuming you have received a Notice of Intended Prosecution, if you wish to challenge the ticket then you should decline the offer of a fixed penalty (if one has been offered) and plead not guilty, which will then result in you attending court. However, we would ensure that you had strong evidence to refute the police's claim and seek independent legal advice, as if found guilty you will likely receive a higher fine than if you had plead guilty at the first stage. You can read more about the process in our guide here - https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/advice/driving-advice/speeding-fines/

Answered by David Ross

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