Drivers in Porirua will begin seeing roadside drug testing from Monday as Police roll out a new enforcement tool aimed at drug-impaired driving.
The testing begins December 15 as part of a Wellington District rollout, marking the first time Police have used roadside drug screening on New Zealand roads.
Police will use saliva screening devices during traffic stops to check for the recent use of impairing drugs.
The tests screen for four drugs. These are THC from cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA or ecstasy, and cocaine.
Police say each drug has a set threshold designed to detect recent use that could impair driving, rather than historical use, passive exposure, or accidental ingestion.
Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, said the new testing allows Police to better identify unsafe drivers.
“Our focus remains the same. Keeping everyone safe on our roads.”
Roadside screening will operate alongside existing enforcement tools, including the Compulsory Impairment Test. The behavioural assessment can be used when officers have good cause to suspect a driver is impaired by drugs.
Drivers who are prescribed medication are being advised to continue taking it as directed by their health practitioner, but to consider whether it could affect their ability to drive.
Police say responsibility remains with drivers to seek medical advice and not drive if they are experiencing any impairment.
A prescription or medical note cannot be used at the roadside to avoid testing or to dispute a positive saliva screening result.
If laboratory testing later confirms a positive result, drivers may apply for a medical defence if the drug detected was legally prescribed. Information on how to apply will be available on the Police website from Monday.
Drivers who refuse or fail to comply with a roadside drug screening test face a $400 fine, 75 demerit points, and a 12-hour ban from driving.
Greally said the message to drivers was clear. “Don’t take drugs and drive.”