How much does it cost to analyse roadside drug testing results in Tasmania? Is it $147, $155 or $195 and, you might ask, what does it matter anyway?
The question of how much it costs to analyse drug testing results is quite important, particularly, it seems, if you fail a roadside drug test. That’s because in Tasmania, it’s common for the cost to be passed on to those found guilty. And in a recent court case, the exact cost was put under the microscope.
The case involved a 29-year-old driver who pleaded guilty to speeding and drug driving in Launceston in March last year. Earlier this month, at the driver’s court case, the deputy chief magistrate questioned the $195 charge that was requested by the Tasmania Police prosecutor.
The magistrate pointed out that at the time of the speeding and roadside drug testing incident, the cost of the analysis was actually $147. The current cost is now $155. The prosecutor said she had been told it was $195.
While the magistrate suggested adjourning the police application for costs, it seems the guilty driver was keen to see the case finalised. He requested his defence counsel to “Just pay it” and the $195 charge was levied.
Roadside drug testing analysis costs commonly paid by guilty
As we highlighted above, it’s common for the cost of analysing roadside drug testing results to be paid for by guilty offenders.
In fact, a statement by Tasmania Police highlights that it’s not just the cost of analysis. The statement said that expenses such as witness summons costs could also be charged to the guilty. Whether or not these costs are passed on is at the court’s discretion.
“Offenders found guilty of drug driving can be asked to pay per oral fluid analysis, which covers Forensic Science Services Tasmania staff, infrastructure, instruments, and consumable costs. People not found guilty are not required to pay.
“An annual review of costs was recently completed, and the revised cost for the 2024/25 financial year is $156 per oral fluid test.
“The legislation which provides for this has been in force since 2018 under the Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1970 where on conviction a court may order a defendant to pay the reasonable costs associated with the testing or analysis of breath, oral fluid or blood.”
In case you were wondering, the Launceston driver had tested positive to a concoction of drugs that included MDMA (ecstasy) and THC (cannabis). He was also driving at 14 kilometers over the speed limit. He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for six months.
Source: The full story was covered in The Examiner, however you’ll need a subscription to read it.
Note: Integrity Sampling conducts workplace drug and alcohol testing across Tasmania. We have three branch locations in the state.
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How much does it cost to analyse roadside drug testing results in Tasmania? $147, $155 or $195?
