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"Massive move in the right direction": Govt applauded for implementation of roadside drug testing

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 12 Nov 2025, 9:02am
A new roadside drug testing law gives police powers to undertake random roadside saliva tests, similar to drink-driving enforcement. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today | File
A new roadside drug testing law gives police powers to undertake random roadside saliva tests, similar to drink-driving enforcement. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today | File

"Massive move in the right direction": Govt applauded for implementation of roadside drug testing

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 12 Nov 2025, 9:02am

The implementation of roadside drug testing is being hailed as a huge step in the right direction. 

From December, Police across Wellington can do random roadside saliva tests – screening for cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA, and cocaine.  

They'll spread to cover the whole country by mid-next year. 

Drivers testing positive will need to do a second test that checks for 25 substances. 

Drug Detection Agency Chief Executive Glenn Dobson told Mike Hosking data shows 30% of all road deaths now involve an impairing drug. 

He says it’s not going to be a game changer, but it is a massive move in the right direction. 

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