DRIVING experts have warned taking hay fever tablets while behind the wheel could leave drivers with a one-year ban - and a possible prison sentence.

Insurance firm Marmalade have said certain antihistamines can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and confusion - severely affecting a driver’s abilities and could result in some trouble with the law.

Driving under the influence of any drug is illegal if it impairs your abilities, including prescription and over-the-counter medications. A conviction for drug-driving carries a minimum of a one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine, while the worst offences can carry a six-month jail sentence.

A spokesman from insurance firm Marmalade, said: "One in four people in the UK has hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and with regular 'pollen bombs' occurring throughout the summer months sufferers will feel the effects.

"Certain antihistamines can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and confusion - thus severely affecting a driver’s abilities.

"Driving under the influence of any drug is illegal if it impairs your abilities, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.

"A conviction for drug-driving carries a minimum of a one-year driving ban and an unlimited fine, while the worst offences can carry a six-month jail sentence.

"Changing your air conditioning filter can be a great help for keeping pollen out of your car."