Road Risk and Drugs: What the "Vehicular Homicide" Law of July 2025 Changes for Your Business

Professional road risk is a major workplace safety issue. The use of psychoactive substances such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and ecstasy can significantly increase this risk. This blog explores the dangers associated with the use of these drugs by professional drivers and offers effective prevention measures for employers, in light of the new 2025 regulations.

Drugs and their effects on driving

During a roadside check, five traditional substances are systematically tested for, along with new substances now under scrutiny:

Cannabis: This widely used drug impairs concentration, slows reflexes, and reduces distance perception. Driving under its influence increases the risk of fatal accidents by 1.65 times.

Cocaine: A powerful stimulant, it induces feelings of euphoria and overconfidence, leading to risk-taking. However, it also causes nervousness and aggression, increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Amphetamines and Cathinones (3-MMC): These stimulant substances are sometimes used professionally to fight fatigue or "keep up the pace." They can cause uncontrollable hyperactivity and loss of clarity, followed by sudden exhaustion (crash), making driving extremely dangerous.[2]

Opioids (heroin, morphine, codeine): Powerful sedatives, they cause extreme drowsiness, mental confusion, and reduced reflexes.

Ecstasy (MDMA): It alters the perception of time and distance, causes excessive disinhibition, and can lead to hallucinations, making driving extremely risky.

According to a recent study, 1 in 5 road deaths involves a driver under the influence of narcotics. The combination of drugs and alcohol is particularly deadly, increasing the risk of fatal accidents up to 29 times.

The dangers of driving under the influence of drugs

The effects of drugs on driving include:

• Reduced alertness and concentration.
• Impaired perception of distance and speed.
• Increased reaction time.
• Behavior changes (overconfidence, nervousness, hallucinations).
• Excessive drowsiness (opioids, cannabis, stimulant crash).

These effects make driving dangerous and significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially for professional drivers subject to tight schedules and high pressure.

Prevention measures for employers

Employers play a key role in preventing risks related to drug use while driving. Here are some recommended actions:

Risk Assessment

The assessment of professional road risks must be included in the Single Document for the Evaluation of Professional Risks (DUERP). It is essential to identify risk situations and factors that may encourage the consumption of psychoactive substances (fatigue, work pressure, long journeys).

Update of Internal Regulations

Companies with more than 50 employees must include provisions in their internal regulations specifying the prohibition of consuming psychoactive substances at work, as well as disciplinary measures in case of non-compliance.
2025 Note: Recent case law validates dismissal for gross misconduct of a driver who tested positive, confirming the priority of the safety obligation.[3]

Awareness and Training Actions

• Organization of training sessions on the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs (including the lesser-known risks of CBD).
• Internal awareness campaigns on road risks.
• Partnerships with road safety associations to intervene in companies.

Screening and Controls

The employer can implement saliva tests as part of a prevention and safety policy, especially for high-risk jobs (truck drivers, delivery drivers, passenger transport). To support companies in this process, we offer compassionate screening campaigns focused on prevention and employee support rather than punishment.

By choosing this approach, employers ensure better team commitment while enhancing the safety and performance of their company.

Legal Sanctions: What Changes with the July 2025 Law

Penalties for the driver (Updates)

Driving under the influence of drugs is a severely punished offense, with increased penalties:

• 3 years in prison and €9,000 fine for driving under the influence of drugs (compared to 2 years and €4,500 previously).[5, 4]
• 5 years in prison and €15,000 fine in case of combination with alcohol.[5]
• Suspension or cancellation of the driving license (up to 1 year administrative suspension by the prefect).[6]
• Point deduction:
  • 6 points for drug use.
  • NEW 9 points deducted in case of combined Alcohol + Drugs (exception to the 8-point limit).[7]
• Additional penalties (awareness training, mandatory vehicle confiscation in case of repeat offense).

Penalties for employers

The employer has a safety obligation towards their employees. In case of a work accident involving an employee under the influence of drugs or alcohol, several consequences may arise:

• Recognition of the accident as a work accident, even if the employee tests positive in screening tests.
• Employer's civil liability commitment (Inexcusable Fault) if breaches of prevention obligations are proven (e.g., absence of an up-to-date DUERP).
• Criminal penalties in case of failure to implement prevention measures.
• Increased social security contributions for the company in case of repeated accidents.

It is therefore imperative that employers implement strict prevention actions to limit these risks and protect themselves against potential legal actions, especially under the new qualification of Road Homicide.

Conclusion

Recent events have shown that accidents caused by drivers under the influence of drugs have led to human tragedies, sometimes fatal. These tragedies highlight the urgent need to implement effective prevention measures to limit these risks.

The road risk related to drug use is a major issue for companies and workers. A policy of prevention, awareness, and screening is essential to guarantee the safety of drivers and other road users.

By implementing concrete actions and adapting to the new 2025 requirements, employers can limit these risks and ensure a safer working environment for everyone.