Key Takeaways
- Drivers in New Zealand’s Wellington police district will be subject to roadside drug testing starting Monday, with plans to roll out the tests nationwide next year
- The tests will screen for four drugs: THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine, and drivers who refuse testing may face a $400 fine and 75 licence demerit points
- Drivers with prescriptions or medical notes may still be required to undergo testing and may face a 12-hour stand-down from driving if they test positive
- The testing process involves a saliva test, and drivers who test positive may be able to apply for a medical defence if the drug is prescribed to them
- Critics have raised concerns about the testing, including its potential to return positive results in the presence of prescription medicines and its potential to cast a net that is too wide
Introduction to Roadside Drug Testing
The New Zealand police have announced that drivers in the Wellington police district will be subject to roadside drug testing starting Monday. This is the first time such testing will be conducted in the country, with plans to roll out the tests to the rest of the country next year. The tests will screen for four drugs: THC (present in cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy and molly), and cocaine. Drivers who refuse testing may face significant fines, including a $400 fine and 75 licence demerit points, as well as a 12-hour stand-down from driving.
The Testing Process
The testing process involves a saliva test, where drivers will be asked to swipe their tongue on an oral-fluid screening device. The initial test is expected to take about 10 minutes, and if the result is negative, the driver will be free to go. If the result is positive, further testing will be conducted, including a second test using the same device and a third test where a saliva sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Drivers who test positive may be issued an infringement notice and may face a 12-hour stand-down from driving. It is worth noting that the saliva testing kits required for the tests do not yet exist, according to recent reports.
Prescriptions and Medical Notes
Drivers with prescriptions or medical notes may still be required to undergo testing, and may face a 12-hour stand-down from driving if they test positive. Superintendent Steve Greally has advised drivers using prescription medicines to continue taking them as directed by their health practitioner, but to consider any impairing effects the medicine may cause. Drivers who are taking prescription medicines and are concerned about the testing should talk to their practitioner for medical advice. However, it is essential to note that drivers who test positive may not use a prescription or medical note to dispute the result, and can only apply for a medical defence after the results of the third test are returned from the laboratory.
Concerns and Criticisms
Critics of the new drug-testing system have raised concerns about the testing, including its potential to return positive results in the presence of prescription medicines and its potential to cast a net that is too wide. Some have argued that the testing may not be consistent with the Bill of Rights Act, and that it may generate positive test results long after the drugs would impair driving ability. Others have expressed concerns about the time needed to carry out the tests and wait for a result, which may create difficulty for drivers. Research from overseas has shown that worries about roadside drug testing could lead people to stop taking prescribed medicines, which could have serious health consequences.
Police Response
Superintendent Greally has responded to these concerns by stating that the testing is designed to deter people from drug-driving and to enable officers to catch people who do. He has also emphasized that the testing is not intended to target people who are taking prescription medicines, but rather to identify drivers who are impaired by drugs. Greally has also stated that police have worked vigorously alongside agencies to identify and clarify any ongoing matters that the significant change will bring for road users. The introduction of roadside drug-driving testing is a positive step in the collective effort to reduce harm by drivers who get behind the wheel impaired by drugs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of roadside drug testing in New Zealand’s Wellington police district is a significant development in the country’s efforts to reduce harm caused by drug-impaired driving. While there are concerns and criticisms about the testing, the police have emphasized that the testing is designed to deter people from drug-driving and to enable officers to catch people who do. Drivers who are concerned about the testing should talk to their practitioner for medical advice, and should be aware of the potential consequences of refusing testing or testing positive. Ultimately, the goal of the testing is to keep everyone safe on the roads, and to reduce the number of road fatalities caused by drug-impaired driving.
