[NSW] Roadside Drug Testing

[MiksOpel]

I'd like to know how the testing works and how long the drugs can be in your system for it to be called illegal and not illegal.
People should be informed so they know what they can and can't do.
Its easy to say that you shouldn't do drugs full stop but thats not a real world case. We need to have a proper system that is clear and understandable.

[ronj]

I believe the initial test is just a saliva test, therefore you would of have to use the drugs recently. ( within 12 hours). Remnants of drugs stay in your blood for a longer period of time. I'm not sure if they follow up the initial saliva test with a blood test to get a more accurate reading.

[MatsHolden]

This is Victoria related but i'm sure it'd be the same in NSW. Should answer you're questions.

"The consumption of THC (the active component in cannabis) will be detected for several hours after use. The actual time after consumption that THC will be detected depends on the THC strength of the cannabis used and on the driver’s metabolism. Drivers who may have inactive THC residue in their bodies from use in previous days/weeks will not be detected.

Methamphetamines (speed) may be detected for approximately 24 hours after use. These drugs can affect the ability of a driver to safely control his or her car for at least this period of time. Extremely large doses, other drugs taken at the same time, and differences in individual metabolism may affect the duration of the effects of these drugs."


"Saliva screening is an accurate and reliable method for detecting the recent consumption of methamphetamines (speed) and THC (the active component in cannabis). All saliva drug screening devices will be required to meet rigorous standards of accuracy. Before any charge can be laid, the presence of THC or methamphetamine in the saliva sample must be confirmed by laboratory testing."

"Drivers will be informed within a few weeks of the roadside saliva test being conducted that their saliva test laboratory analysis confirms an illicit drug was present and that they are to be fined or prosecuted for an offence."

"Drivers will not be permitted to drive immediately after positive roadside saliva test. Drivers may choose to wait at the roadside until an illicit drug is no longer present. Alternatively, they can leave and return to collect their vehicle at a time which will be advised by the police. Once an illicit drug is no longer present, drivers will be allowed to drive prior to receiving the results of their saliva test laboratory analysis."

"Drivers who are unable to supply a saliva sample will be required to supply a blood sample to test for the recent consumption of illicit drugs. Authorised health professionals will take blood samples. There is also a provision enabling police to take urine samples for testing."

"An initial saliva test will take around five minutes. Drivers who return a positive result to the initial sample will require further tests. The total time for these drivers could be up to approximately 30 minutes."

"The drug driving campaign is about increasing road safety – not drug detection. Legislation prevents the evidence of saliva tests being used in court proceedings for non road safety offences."