Drug driving laws introduced into Parliament

18/10/06
Legislation to allow random roadside drug testing of all drivers was introduced into Parliament today.
Community Safety Minister John Kobelke said the Road Traffic Amendment (Drugs) Bill 2006 was part of the State Government's continuing campaign against unsafe drivers and the road toll.
"We saw a significant reduction in the road toll and an important change in driver attitude when random alcohol testing for drivers was introduced 1988," Mr Kobelke said.
"We want the same impact for drug-driving as we saw with drink-driving.
"I want drivers to make no mistake - if they use illicit drugs and drive, they will be caught."
Random roadside saliva testing will detect whether drivers have illegal drugs in their system, such as cannabis, speed or ecstasy. These tests will not detect the presence of prescription drugs, common over the counter medication or ADHD medication.
If drivers are stopped by police on the suspicion that they are driving impaired, penalties for having any drug in their system will be severe.
Driving with a prescribed illicit drug in a person's saliva or blood will attract fines similar to those established for 0.05 blood alcohol content offences. They range from $200 and three demerit points for a first offence, up to a $500 and three months' licence suspension for a third and subsequent offences.
Penalties for driving while impaired by a drug will be the same as that established for the offence of 'driving under the influence of alcohol', ranging from $800 and six months' licence disqualification for a first offence, up to $5,000 or 18 months' imprisonment and a permanent licence disqualification for a third or subsequent offences.
Minister's office - 9222 9211