Hydrocodone…more commonly referred to as “Vicodin”…is a commonly prescribed drug in California and throughout the world. It is typically combined with Tylenol and is used (1) to treat mild to moderate pain, and (2) as a cough suppressant. Because its use is so common…and legal when administered pursuant to a valid prescription…many people don’t think about the fact that driving while taking hydrocodone may nevertheless be illegal. As a result, many people are frequently arrested for violating California’s laws against driving under the influence of Vicodin (and for a variety of additional California Vicodin-related offenses as well).
Even if you are taking hydrocodone in strict compliance with a valid prescription, you are not permitted to drive while the drug is in your system if the Vicodin has affected your ability to drive a car in a safe and sober manner. In fact, most if not all prescriptions containing hydrocodone have a label warning users about the potential side effects that may cause impaired driving.
Play it safe. If you are taking Vicodin, make sure you take the time to see how the drug affects you before getting behind the wheel. Failing to do so could lead to a California arrest for driving under the influence of drugs.
