We may have been conducting roadside drug testing in Australia since as early as 2004, but over the ditch it’s a different story. However, that is likely to change soon.
While New Zealand currently don’t conduct roadside drug testing, the government has just introduced new legislation in Parliament to enable police to conduct testing on drivers.
In an msn.com article, New Zealand Transport Minister Simeon Brown explained that the proposed law would grant police the authority to carry out random roadside saliva tests for drugs, similar to the current drink-driving enforcement methods. Drivers who test positive in an initial screening would have their sample sent for further testing. If this confirms recent drug use, they would face fines and demerit points.
“We are going to come down hard on people who are driving under the influence of drugs,” Minister Brown said. He noted that alcohol and drugs were key factors in 200 fatal road crashes in New Zealand in 2022, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement.
Currently, police in New Zealand have no means of roadside drug testing. People who are suspected of being affected by drugs undertake an impairment test – little more than an old fashioned sobriety test – and then required to undergo a blood test if they fail. Not surprisingly, this has led to drivers being complacent, with only 26% believing they might be caught with drugs in their system if they do drug drive.
Roadside drug testing to mirror Australian rules
Minister Brown has previously said that the new roadside drug testing approach will bring New Zealand in line with Australia and he’s correct. While the rules and procedures do differ slightly from state to state, and territory to territory, it’s expected the testing in NZ will be carried out in much the same way as here.
It is interesting to look at the timeline of roadside drug testing in Australia:
- As already highlighted, Victoria was the first state to adopt roadside drug testing in 2004, pioneering roadside saliva-based testing to detect THC and methamphetamines.
- Tasmania and South Australia followed soon after in 2005, each introducing programs targeting similar substances.
- In 2007, New South Wales began roadside drug testing with a strong focus on reducing drug-impaired driving, initially targeting areas known for higher drug usage.
- Queensland introduced testing in 2007 as well, increasing testing volumes over the years.
- Western Australia implemented its program in 2008, followed by the Australian Capital Territory in 2010, emphasising drug detection alongside random breath tests.
- The Northern Territory, which was later to adopt the initiative, started its program in 2012, completing the nationwide rollout.
Each jurisdiction now employs a combination of targeted and random testing, with testing frequency and strategies continually evolving to improve road safety outcomes across Australia.
All of which means, if you drink and drive, or take drugs and drive, the chances of getting caught are growing. Even if you take a holiday and drive over the ditch!
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Our cousins over the ditch have taken an important step closer to introducing roadside drug testing for the first time.
