HAVE A PHOBIA OF NEEDLES? DON'T GET PULLED OVER DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS/MEDICATIONS

Humboldt County, CA- With the New Year comes new laws in California, if you’re caught driving under the influence you will no longer have the option of taking a urine test. If you have a phobia of needles make sure not to drive under the influence of drugs. Officer Greg Hill of the Eureka Police said, "When we say drugs that means medications…under the influence means you’re not in your normal mode of mind”Hill is referring to drugs like anti-depressants and sleeping pills. Often people think a drug only refers to marijuana or cocaine. California Highway Patrol says when you get pulled over for drinking and driving you had three options: Breathalyzer, blood, or urine test. CHP Officer Chase Adams added, "And for drug related DUI that would be a blood only"Law enforcement says this is for sanitary reasons. And will save time for officers. A urine test can take anywhere between thirty minutes to an hour. Even though the option is being taken away, Eureka Police say that many people don’t even ask for it. Officer Hill added, "I’ve arrested over 400 DUI’s and in that time I’ve maybe had 3 or 4 people ask for a urine analysis."There are only two exemptions to this law, if you have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia or taking medications for blood thinners. "That’s the only two exemptions. Other than that you have to provide a blood sample. If you refuse to provide that blood sample then your drivers license is going to be suspended for a minimum of one year."