As pollen levels rise, hay fever sufferers in Northern Ireland are being cautioned that driving while affected by symptoms or medication could have serious legal consequences.

Motorists who cause an accident due to distraction from sneezing, itchy eyes or runny noses may face charges of driving without due care and attention. This offence carries a fine of up to £2,500 and between three and nine penalty points.

Certain over-the-counter antihistamines, commonly used to relieve hay fever, can cause drowsiness, slower reaction times and blurred vision. In Northern Ireland, driving while impaired by any drug, including lawful medication, is illegal. A conviction for drug-driving can result in a minimum one-year driving ban, unlimited fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record that remains on a licence for 11 years.

The NHS advises against driving after taking specific antihistamines such as chlorphenamine, cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine or promethazine. Drivers are urged to check medication labels carefully and consult a pharmacist if uncertain.

Ian Wilson, managing director at CompareNI.com, stressed the importance of motorists being aware of side effects and avoiding driving if they feel drowsy or unfit to do so.