Key Takeaways:
- Roadside drug testing will start in the Wellington region on Monday, with plans to roll out to the rest of New Zealand next year
- Drivers will be tested for four drugs: THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine
- Refusing a roadside drug test can result in a $400 fine, 75 licence demerit points, and a 12-hour stand-down from driving
- Drivers with prescriptions or medical notes may still be required to undergo testing and may face penalties if they test positive
- The testing process involves a series of three tests, including an oral-fluid screening device and a laboratory analysis
Introduction to Roadside Drug Testing
Roadside drug testing is set to begin in the Wellington region, marking a significant change in the way police approach drug-impaired driving. From Monday, drivers in the Wellington police district can be asked to take a drug test, 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 to take the test can face significant fines, including a $400 fine, 75 licence demerit points, and a 12-hour stand-down from driving.
The Testing Process
The testing process involves a series of three tests. The first test requires drivers to swipe their tongue on an oral-fluid screening device, which takes around 10 minutes to produce a result. If the result is positive, further testing will be carried out. The second test is identical to the first, and if this is also positive, the driver will be forbidden from driving for 12 hours. The third test involves providing a saliva sample, which is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory test checks for 25 different drugs, and if the sample tests positive, an infringement notice will be issued.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the introduction of roadside drug testing, concerns have been raised about the system. Critics argue that the testing is not consistent with the Bill of Rights Act, and that it could return positive results in the presence of prescription medicines. Others have expressed concerns that the testing casts a net that is too wide, generating positive test results long after the drugs would impair driving ability. Additionally, there are worries that the time needed to carry out the tests and wait for a result could create difficulty for drivers, and that drivers required to undergo further testing could be forbidden from driving for 12 hours, despite the earlier tests being only an initial stage.
Prescription Medicines and Medical Defences
Drivers who use prescription medicines are advised to continue taking them as directed by their health practitioner, but to consider any impairing effects the medicine could cause. However, if a driver tests positive, they may still face penalties, even if they have a prescription or medical note. The only way to dispute a positive test result is to apply for a medical defence after the results of the third test have been returned from the laboratory. Information about the process to seek a medical defence will be available on the police website from Monday.
The Rationale Behind Roadside Drug Testing
The introduction of roadside drug testing is aimed at reducing harm caused by drivers who get behind the wheel impaired by drugs. According to Minister of Transport Chris Bishop, about 30 percent of all road fatalities involve an impairing drug. Superintendent Steve Greally, the director of road policing, said that the new tests would deter people from drug-driving and enable officers to catch people who do. The police have worked with agencies to identify and clarify any ongoing matters that this significant change will bring for road users, and their focus remains on keeping everyone safe on the roads.
Conclusion
The introduction of roadside drug testing in the Wellington region marks a significant step in the effort to reduce harm caused by drug-impaired driving. While concerns have been raised about the system, the police are confident that the tests will help to deter people from driving under the influence of drugs and enable officers to catch those who do. As the tests roll out to the rest of the country next year, it is essential that drivers are aware of the testing process and the potential penalties for refusing a test or testing positive. By working together, we can help to keep our roads safe and reduce the harm caused by drug-impaired driving.
