Is it against the law to drive if you’ve recently used marijuana in Iowa?

Yes, Iowa law makes it illegal to drive with any amount of THC in your system.

Drivers who are under the influence of marijuana may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and compromised motor coordination skills. In other words, drivers who have recently used marijuana may be more likely to cause an accident. For this reason, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, just as it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in Iowa.

How to Know If a Driver Is High

There is no simple test for determining whether a driver is under the influence of marijuana. Without the benefit of a test like a breathalyzer that is used in suspected drunk driving accidents, police and accident lawyers must look to other evidence. Other evidence may include:

• Observations about the driver. The police officer who responds to the accident, you, and any accident witnesses may witness the behavior of the other driver. If the driver’s behavior is consistent with a driver who is high, then it could be relevant evidence in your accident case.
• Analysis from a Drug Recognition Expert. Some police officers are trained in drug recognition. They may be able to examine a driver’s eyes to determine if the driver is likely under the influence of drugs.
• Driver and witness testimony. Experienced car accident lawyers know what questions to ask the driver, under oath, and other witnesses who may have seen the driver use marijuana before driving.
• Drugs in the car. If police find marijuana in the vehicle and the driver behaves like someone who is high, then it could be relevant evidence in your car accident case.

Together, this evidence may help you know what caused your crash even without a conclusive test being administered to the driver.

Get Help After an Iowa Crash

You don’t need to prove that the other driver was high when the accident happened. Instead, you just need to prove that the other driver was negligent. If you can prove that the other driver was negligent, then you may recover compensation for all of your injuries, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages.

Driving while under the influence of marijuana is one form of negligence, and our experienced car accident lawyers will find out if that, or something else, was the cause of your crash. Call us today to schedule your free consultation in any of our Iowa offices, your home, or hospital room.