Government targets drug drivers, roadside testing to begin in December
New Zealand’s crackdown on drug-impaired driving is shifting up a gear, with the government confirming which substances will be screened under the country’s new roadside oral-fluid testing regime.
“Drug-impaired drivers are a menace on New Zealand roads,” Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Around 30 per cent of all road deaths now involve an impairing drug. If you take drugs and drive, you’re putting innocent lives at risk – and we will not tolerate it.
“Our Government is committed to improving road safety, and that includes holding dangerous, drugged-up drivers to account. Rolling out roadside drug testing is a practical step towards safer roads and fewer tragedies.”
Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the new regime will strengthen Police’s ability to keep roads safe.
“This is another positive step in delivering our road-safety strategy and targeting the key factors behind fatal crashes. The ability for Police to screen for impairing drugs is a welcome addition to their enforcement toolbox,” Mr Mitchell says.
“Police will begin roadside screening for four key drugs – THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine – using new oral-fluid testing devices.
“The rollout will begin in December in the Wellington District and scale up from April 2026, with nationwide coverage expected by mid-2026.”
The new system, rolling out from December, allows Police to conduct on-the-spot saliva tests for four key drugs: THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine.
Here’s how it’ll work: officers can stop any driver at any time for a quick tongue-swipe test, returning results within minutes. A positive result triggers a second test and a lab analysis that can detect up to 25 substances listed in the Act.
Drivers who fail both roadside tests will be banned from driving for 12 hours to remove immediate risk. A confirmed positive from the lab will mean an infringement notice — and anyone refusing a test faces the same penalty.
