New Legislation for Roadside Drug Testing Introduced to Enhance Road Safety

In 2022, alcohol and drugs were factors in 200 fatal crashes, yet current police procedures lack the capability for on-the-spot saliva drug testing.

The New Zealand Government has introduced new legislation aimed at improving road safety through roadside drug testing. Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the initiative, highlighting the pressing need to address the impact of alcohol and drugs on fatal road crashes.

In 2022, alcohol and drugs were factors in 200 fatal crashes, yet current police procedures lack the capability for on-the-spot saliva drug testing. Only 26% of drivers perceive a high likelihood of being caught for driving under the influence of drugs.

The previous government's attempt to implement roadside drug testing legislation was hindered by flawed provisions that required oral fluid tests to meet evidentiary standards rather than serving as screening tools. The new legislation aims to correct these issues by enabling oral fluid testing at the roadside for preliminary screening, aligning New Zealand with Australian practices and overcoming previous obstacles to effective enforcement.

Under the new system, police will be able to conduct random drug screenings, similar to drink-driving checks. Drivers who refuse to undergo testing will face an immediate infringement notice and a 12-hour driving prohibition to mitigate the risk of drug-impaired driving.

The Government’s road safety strategy, outlined in the 2024 Government Policy Statement on land transport, anticipates 50,000 oral fluid tests per year once the system is fully implemented. This approach represents a more rigorous stance on preventing drug-related road fatalities and injuries.

The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill will be reviewed by the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee following its first reading this week.