Roadside drug testing

Police have powers to carry out roadside drug testing on any driver, rider or supervising licence holder in NSW for the following drugs:

• Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component of cannabis.
• Methylamphetamine, also known as speed, ice, crystal meth, or base.
• Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy.

How will testing work:

• Police will conduct a preliminary oral fluid test through the window of your vehicle. You will be required to lick the test pad of a device. If you test negative you will be able to drive away. If you test positive you will have to provide a second oral fluid sample.
• If the presence of one or more of these three drugs is confirmed you will receive a Court Attendance Notice with the charge of driving with the presence of an illicit drug.

Other drug driving laws in NSW

Driving under the influence of drugs

Police have the power to take you to a hospital to obtain a blood and urine sample if:

• The manner of your driving suggests that you are impaired by drugs.
• You are involved in a fatal crash.

The sample will be analysed for any drug, including some prescription medicines known to impair driving.

Driving with the presence of cocaine or morphine (heroin)

There is also an offence of driving with the presence of cocaine or morphine (heroin) in blood or urine (unless the morphine was taken for medicinal purposes).