What does the term 'implied consent' mean in relation to driving?

The term 'implied consent' in relation to driving refers to the legal assumption that by obtaining a driver’s license and operating a vehicle, a driver has agreed to submit to chemical testing of their blood, breath, or urine if they are stopped by law enforcement on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This law is in place to enhance public safety and ensure that drivers cannot simply refuse testing without implications, particularly when evidence is needed to address impaired driving.

Under implied consent laws, refusal to undergo the testing may result in penalties such as fines, license suspension, or other legal repercussions, reinforcing the expectation that drivers comply with lawful requests from police. The concept is built on the premise that by choosing to drive on public roads, individuals are effectively consenting to certain regulations that help maintain road safety.