The Government has today confirmed the four key drugs to be screened as part of police’s new roadside testing regime.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said drug-impaired drivers “are a menace on New Zealand roads”.
“Around 30% 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.
“Rolling out roadside drug testing is a practical step towards safer roads and fewer tragedies.”
Under the new system, police – using new oral-fluid testing devices – will be able to stop any motor vehicle to screen the driver for the presence of four key drugs.
The new devices will screen for THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine, Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed today.
“The rollout will begin in December in the Wellington District and scale up from April 2026.”
Nationwide coverage is expected mid-2026.
Mitchell said the new regime was a “welcome addition” to police’s enforcement toolbox.
How roadside drug testing will work
Under the new regime, police will be able to stop any motor vehicle at any time to screen the driver for the presence of drugs.
The first roadside screening test will involve a quick tongue swipe, which will take several minutes. Most drivers who return a negative test result will be free to go within around five minutes.
If the test is positive, officers will take a saliva sample for laboratory analysis. While the roadside device detects four key drugs, the laboratory can test for up to 25 substances.
It will be followed by a second roadside screening test. If the test is positive, the driver will be prohibited from driving for 12 hours to address any immediate road-safety risk. Drivers who return a positive laboratory result will be issued an infringement notice.
Drivers who refuse or fail to comply with a roadside drug test will also be issued an infringement notice.
