Drug and alcohol testing is a serious legal and safety issue in Australia. But every now and again a testing incident pops up that even we can see the funny side of. Like the Victorian who failed an alcohol test while riding a motorised esky. Or the horse rider in Queensland who, you guessed it, blew over the limit while trotting along on her trusty steed.
The thing is, most people know that you can fail drug and alcohol testing in a car, on a motorbike, in a boat or at work. However, there are many surprising ways you can be tested — and fail. Drug and alcohol testing doesn’t just apply to vehicles or workplaces. It applies in many everyday places and situations, some of which catch people off guard.
Examples of Unusual Drug and Alcohol Testing Fails
- In a tragic incident in Perth, Western Australia, a 24-year-old woman received four years jail after riding a hired e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol. Police allege she hit a pedestrian, seriously injuring him. He later died in hospital. The rider recorded a blood alcohol reading well above the legal limit at the time of testing. The incident even led to the temporary suspension of e-scooter hire in Perth while safety rules were reviewed.
- In regional Victoria, a local footballer was stopped by police after riding an e-scooter while intoxicated. He returned a high breath-test reading, had his licence suspended and was fined. His e-scooter was also impounded. It’s an incident that made headlines and served as a reminder that scooters aren’t an excuse to ignore drink-driving laws.
- A few years ago in Queensland, a woman was charged after riding a horse while over the alcohol limit. Police tested her roadside and recorded a high reading. While unusual, it reinforced that animals used as transport on public roads fall under similar rules to other vehicles. It also provided one of the more memorable testing stories in recent years.
- It’s many years ago now but another incident in Victoria certainly deserves a mention. In 2016, a man was caught riding his motorised esky while drunk. He had his probationary licence cancelled for three months and was fined.
Unusual Ways You Can Fail Drug and Alcohol Testing
Essentially, if you’re operating any vehicle (and this doesn’t just include cars or motorbikes) on a public road or land while under the influence, you can be stopped and tested. Here’s a summary:
- E-scooters and electric bikes are increasing in popularity. And they’re increasingly making the news due to incidents around the country. In most parts of Australia, riding one while impaired can lead to the same testing you’d face in a car. In many states, penalties mirror drink-driving laws.
- You don’t have to be riding an e-bike to land in trouble. A bicycle is also legally considered a vehicle in most states and territories. If you ride on public roads while under the influence, police can stop and test you. Penalties vary, but fines and charges are possible.
- In some regions, horses are treated as vehicles for the purposes of road rules. If you ride a horse on public land while under the influence, you may face alcohol or drug testing.
- A ride-on mower seems harmless, but if you take it onto public land, including nature strips or parks, the same laws apply. If police suspect impairment, they can conduct drug and alcohol testing.
- Even personal mobility devices and novelty vehicles aren’t exempt. This includes everything from motorised wheelchairs (where appropriate laws apply) to unusual motorised gadgets. Yes, even motorised eskies. The rule is simple: if you’re in control of a device in public and appear impaired, drug and alcohol testing is possible.
Drug and Alcohol Testing is No Joke
This all may seem a little funny, but it’s no joke. And that’s because alcohol and drugs affect balance, coordination, focus and judgement — whether you’re in a car, on a scooter, riding a bike, on a horse, or driving (riding?) a motorised esky.
It’s why drug and alcohol testing is not just about catching dangerous drivers. It’s about protecting everyone.
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Explore surprising real-world ways people have failed drug and alcohol testing in Australia. Learn how testing applies to e-scooters, bikes, horses and more to stay safe and informed.
