Road side drug testing starts

Drugs were present in 33.8% of all fatal crashes on our roads between 2019–2023.  Police started roadside drug testing in December last year with a small managed roll out in Wellington. The roll out of the roadside drug driving testing nationally is planned to commence from April 2026.

The drug screening device looks like this. At the roadside the driver will undertake a drug screening test of saliva for the presence of THC (cannabis), cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy) (which are tested for in the same channel) at a level that indicates recent use. If the drug screening test is positive a saliva sample is taken for laboratory testing for all the 25 qualifying drugs listed in the Land Transport Act 1998. A second drug screening test is then undertaken at the roadside and if that is also positive the driver is prohibited from driving for 12 hours.

If the laboratory testing is positive an infringement is issued to the driver by mail. If one drug was present in the laboratory testing the fine is $200 and 50 licence demerit points. If two or more drugs are present, the fine is $400 and 75 licence demerit points. Refusal or failure to remain or accompany an officer or undertake a test without delay is liable for a $400 fine, 75 licence demerit points and prohibition from driving for 12 hours.

It should be noted that there are combination offences, including offences where a driver has tested positive for both alcohol and drugs. Penalties for combination offences are usually higher to reflect the higher crash risk. More information on the programme is available here.