The Government has introduced legislation that will enable police to test motorists for drugs.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said  “Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand.

In 2022, alcohol and drugs were contributors to 200 fatal crashes on our roads. Despite this, police currently have no way to undertake saliva testing for drugs at the roadside, and only 26 per cent of drivers think they are likely to be caught while driving under the influence of drugs.

“Although the previous government passed legislation to roll out roadside drug testing two years ago, progress stalled.

“Their legislation was flawed and unworkable and would have required oral fluid tests to meet evidentiary standards instead of simply being used as screening devices.”

Police will now have the ability to conduct oral fluid testing at the roadside for screening purposes.

The approach will bring New Zealand in line with Australian legislation and will remove barriers that have prevented police from taking action to remove drugged drivers from our roads.

Drivers who refuse to undergo oral fluid testing will be issued with an immediate infringement notice and be prohibited from driving for 12 hours to reduce the risk of tragic drugged driving outcomes.

It’s expected that police will undertake 50,000 oral fluid tests per year once the roadside drug testing regime is rolled out.

The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill will be sent to the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee for consideration after its first reading this week.