Fasting and Driving at Work: Is it Legal?

Can you drive a van, bus, or lorry while fasting? The legal stance on dehydration, fatigue, and employer duty of care.

Is it legal to drive while fasting?

Yes. There is no law banning driving while fasting. However, the Road Traffic Act requires you to be in proper control of the vehicle.

The Risks (Employer’s Duty)

Employers have a duty of care. Key risks during Ramadan:

Dehydration: Can reduce concentration and reaction time similarly to mild alcohol consumption.
Hypoglycaemia: Low blood sugar causing faintness.
Fatigue: Disrupted sleep patterns from late night prayers / Suhoor.

Reasonable Adjustments for Drivers

If a risk assessment identifies potential danger, simply banning the employee from driving might be discrimination if adjustments weren’t tried first.

1. Shift Swaps

Moving long-haul drives to the morning (post-Suhoor) when energy is highest, rather than late afternoon.

2. Break Schedules

For LGV/HGV drivers, taking more frequent breaks to splash water on face or rest.

3. Route Changes

Swapping long motorway routes for local routes where stopping is easier.

Can an employer stop me driving?

If there is medical evidence or a genuine, documented safety incident (e.g., you fainted or swerved), yes. They can remove you from safety-critical duties for your own protection. But they must try to find you alternative work (admin etc) rather than sending you home unpaid.