• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Monitech Ignition Interlock Systems

Monitech

North Carolina's leading Ignition Interlock provider

  • Device
    • What Is an Interlock?
    • Interlock Device Cost
    • Special Offers
  • Locations
  • Resources
    • NC Requirements
    • NC DWI Checklist
  • Support
    • Contact
    • About
    • FAQs
    • Reviews
    • Mechanic Code Request
    • Blog
  • 800-521-4246
You are here: Home / News / Caught a Cold? Don’t Catch a Cold Medicine DUI As Well

Caught a Cold? Don’t Catch a Cold Medicine DUI As Well

June 6, 2017 by Editorial Staff
man taking cold medicine dui warning

Too much cold medicine? That was the excuse that a driver gave the police after being arrested last week in Mesa, Arizona. Spotted by a DPS trooper going the wrong way on U.S. 60, Trent Walker turned around and kept on driving until troopers surrounded and arrested him.

The suspect claimed to have taken too many cold pills, and this caused his bizarre behavior on the road and a resulting cold medicine DUI.

Is it possible? Very much so.

Is it an excuse? No. Arizona laws states that it’s unlawful to drive under the influence of liquor or any drugs. That means your over-the-counter cold remedy, which can cause, among other conditions:

  • Drowsiness
  • Poor coordination
  • Poor concentration
  • Dizziness

If you’re pulled over by a police officer, the fact that it’s not bourbon or vodka that’s affecting you won’t make a difference. Even prescription meds will get you a DUI if they cause you to drive dangerously. The law in pretty much every state is clear: while you can be arrested for having a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, you can also be charged with DUI if the officer finds evidence of impairment of any kind, whether from alcohol, illegal drugs, medications, or other substances.

The reasons for this strictness were made clear in this case, in which several bad decisions were made, endangering a lot of lives on U.S. 60.

By all means, take cold medicine if you need it. But don’t overdose on it (reportedly this man took 15 t0 20 pills, when the recommended daily maximum was eight). And if the medicine has side effects similar to alcohol, don’t drive. There’s no pill that can cure a DUI.

Category: NewsTag: Arizona, Drunk Driving

About Editorial Staff

Monitech’s editorial staff is a group of writers & contributors with wide-ranging areas of expertise. They provide news & analysis of topics focused on ignition interlock systems & community/driver safety.

Previous Post:Can an Air Freshener Make Me Fail My Ignition Interlock Test?
Next Post:High Schoolers Who Drink are Binge Drinking, Says CDC

Free Ignition Interlock Installation

Call a North Carolina expert now to get free installation or find a location near you.

800-521-4246
NC Locations
Monitech Ignition Interlock Systems
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
800-521-4246

Device

What Is an Interlock?

Interlock Device Cost

Special Offers

Locations

Resources

NC Requirements

NC DWI Checklist

Support

Contact

About

FAQs

Reviews

Mechanic Code Request

Blog

Copyright © 2023 Monitech, LLC. IIDs also used by QuickStart.

Privacy Policy | ISO Certification