Can you get cited for driving after taking drowsy-induced medicines?

[Syringer]

You're not suposed to "operate" heavy machinery upon taking something like Nyquil, and it certainly can impair your driving if it's going to cause you to potentially nod off while driving making you rather dangerous out there ... but is it actually enforced/enforceable?

 

[Ryan]

Yes - you can get a DUI/DWI if it's serious enough.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

yes

 

[Syringer]

How would they be able to tell? Can you be cited just for appearing really sleepy?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Hopefully if you're drinking Nyquil and driving you'll Darwin yourself before you hurt someone else. Then the spiders will feast!

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Syringer
How would they be able to tell? Can you be cited just for appearing really sleepy?

If you've visibly impared, they will do a field sobriety test, just like if you were drinking. If you get caught, they will find out.

 

[Mark R]

Yes - it is enforceable, and it applies to any medication that could potentially make you drowsy or otherwise impaired - both prescription and over-the-counter.

However, some places vary in their attitudes. E.g. a diabetic who takes too much insulin and becomes imparied while driving, could be charged with DWI, but not all states/jurisdictions will treat them as such.