Government to roll out roadside oral fluid drug testing

Tuesday, 21 May 2024

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The Government is set to introduce legislation for new roadside oral fluid drug testing.
The law will give police the power to screen drivers for drugs using oral fluid testing devices.
Under the proposed law, drivers who return two positive results at the roadside will immediately be prohibited from driving for 12 hours.

The Government is set to roll out roadside oral fluid drug testing with the aim of undertaking 50,000 tests per year.

Legislation will be introduced later in 2024 that will give police the power to randomly screen drivers for drugs using oral fluid testing devices, similar to current drink-driving enforcement.

Under the proposed law, drivers who return two positive results at the roadside will immediately be prohibited from driving for 12 hours, while those who refuse to take a screening test will be issued with an infringement fee, demerit points, and be prohibited from driving for 12 hours.

Drivers who return a positive screening result will have an oral fluid sample sent for evidential laboratory testing.

The Government is set to introduce legislation to roll out roadside oral fluid drug testing.

If that test confirms the presence of any specified qualifying drug at a level that indicates recent use, those drivers will be issued an infringement fee and demerit points.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says oral fluid testing is an easy way to screen for drug driving.

The Government is hoping to pass new laws around roadside drug testing later in 2024.

“Oral fluid testing is common overseas and is an easy way to screen for drugs at the roadside. Our approach will bring New Zealand in line with Australian legislation and will remove unnecessary barriers that have delayed the fight against drug driving.”

Brown added the days of people driving while under the influence of drugs is over.

“For too long, drug drivers have put other road users at risk with very limited enforcement. Those days are over, and anyone driving while impaired by drugs can expect to be caught and face serious consequences under our drug testing regime.”

Legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament by the middle of the year and passed towards the end of 2024.

The new oral fluid screening regime will be paid for through the National Land Transport Fund.