What penalty may be faced if you drive under the influence of any drug?

If you drive under the influence of any drug, the penalties you may face are similar to those for driving under the influence of alcohol. This is because driving impaired, regardless of the substance—whether it’s alcohol or drugs—poses a significant risk to yourself and others on the road. Virginia law treats both circumstances seriously to maintain public safety, leading to potential fines, license suspension, and even possible jail time depending on the severity of the offense.

Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications, can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. Therefore, the law aims to discourage all forms of impaired driving by enforcing comparable penalties. The other options imply leniency based on the type of drug or the offender’s history, which does not align with Virginia's strict approach to driving under the influence. The objective is to ensure that all drivers remain sober while operating a vehicle, thereby protecting the overall safety on the roads.