South Australia Police commenced roadside drug testing of drivers using oral fluid in July 2006. This is a road safety initiative aimed at reducing loss of life, injury, and associated trauma normally connected with vehicle collisions. In 2022-2023, 54,433 drivers were tested for driving with a prescribed drug resulting in 5,051 offences being detected. Over the past 5 years (to 2022) illicit drugs have been detected in 19% of drivers and riders who have been involved in a crash where a life was lost.

Roadside random drug testing involves screening drivers for illicit substances such as Methylamphetamine, THC (the active component of cannabis) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (ecstasy). This is conducted by testing the driver’s oral fluid or ‘saliva’.

In practice, drivers provide a saliva sample by licking a disposable test cartridge. A positive sample requires the driver to submit to a secondary collection of oral fluid, which takes place within an on-site vehicle or at a police station by way of an oral fluid collection kit.

The testing of drivers for drugs is relatively new technology in comparison to alcohol testing. It is appropriate that all police jurisdictions in Australia are equipped with apparatus and procedures which are consistent across the board. The apparatus needs to be reliable to ensure SAPOL’s process can withstand scrutiny.

• SAPOL needs to be provided with modern and effective drug testing equipment with a view to reducing loss of life on the roads in line with the National Road Safety Strategy.

In 2025, SAPOL intends to include cocaine as a prescribed drug in its roadside driver drug testing program. In order to continue to perform the initial drug screening test including cocaine, ‘oral fluid screening and collection equipment’ is to be sourced. It is estimated that 141,000 units for screening equipment and 18,000 units for oral fluid collection equipment over three years will be required, with an estimated 47,000 units per year for screening equipment and 6,000 units per year for oral fluid collection kits for optional years.