Roadside drug is beginning to be rolled out in Wellington, with a plan to spread nation-wide by mid-2026. We have been assured those on stimulant medication for ADHD will not be penalised.  For more information see our news story:

Roadside drug testing and ADHD medication

FAQ

This FAQ is based on information from New Zealand Police, the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2022, and the New Zealand Drug Foundation. We will keep this page updated as we receive more information.  

Q: Will my amphetamine-based medication be detected by roadside drug testing devices screening for methamphetamine? Amphetamine-based medication includes dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine (ie brand names Adderall and Vyvanese).

Q: Will my methylphenidate-based medication be detected by roadside drug testing devices screening for methamphetamine? Methylphenidate-based medication includes brand names Ritalin, Rubifen, Concerta, Teva and Sandoz XR.)

A: New Zealand Police say roadside tests will only screen for cannabis (THC) cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. If you are not using any of these, they say you will not have a positive test result.

However, if you do test positive for one of the above, a laboratory test of your saliva will screen for a wider range of prescription medication that can impair driving.

Q: Should I carry my prescription with me when I am driving?

A: No. Police officers cannot offer the medical defense at the roadside. Carrying a prescription will not change any aspect of the testing process or any consequence.

If you are not using illicit drugs, you should not get a positive result from the roadside test. However, if you do test positive at the roadside, it’s critical to comply with police and raise a concern through the appropriate channels. When someone tests positive on two saliva tests at the roadside, police officers will be required by the legislation to enforce an immediate stand down from driving and a laboratory test. Police officers will not be able to negotiate or allow any other action.

Q: Is there a cost to applying for a medical defence to dispute an infringement if a driver has taken their ADHD medication as prescribed?

A: According to the New Zealand Police website, there is no charge to apply for the medical defence. Medical defence (police.govt.nz) Note: this is a process that takes place after an infringement notice has been issued. You cannot apply for medical defence prior to receiving an infringement notice.

Q: If four out of 25 drugs are being tested at the roadside, what are the other 21 that will be tested for in the lab?

A: The full list of the qualifying drugs is available in the legislation document:  Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2022 (legislation.govt.nz)

Currently there are no plans to include these other drugs in roadside testing. However, the legislation and its implementation will be reviewed after a period of time.

Q: What if I am taking medicinal cannabis?

A: Medical cannabis may contain THC, which is being screened for through roadside testing. However, we are uncertain how this will affect people taking medicinal cannabis containing THC.

You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding your medication and how roadside testing will affect you.

You will not be able to use your prescription as a medical defence at the roadside. At this stage, we do not know how a medical defence for medicinal cannabis will work after an infringement has been issued.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has information available which they are regularly updating here:

Roadside drug testing: what you need to know (drugfoundation.org.nz)  

Q: What if I am taking other prescription medication that could be picked up?

A: Many medicines can impair driving even if the roadside test is not designed to target them.  You should always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist regarding any prescription medication and the safety of driving while taking it. If you have any concerns about drug testing and your prescription medication, your doctor or pharmacist should be able to answer your questions.

Keeping yourself safe 

• Continue taking your ADHD medication as usual.
  
• Prescription medication can have different chemical names and brand names, making it difficult for people to recognise their medication on a list. If you are concerned about the specific medication you are on, talk to your GP or pharmacist to ensure you are safe to drive.
• Many prescription medications do impair driving so ensure you follow instructions carefully and avoid driving if you are, or could be, impaired.
• Prescription medications can interact with alcohol and other medications or substances in a way that can severely impair driving. If you are unsure how this might impact you, check with your GP or pharmacist.
• Visit the New Zealand Transport Association’s guide to driving safely on medication:
  How medication can affect your driving (nzta.govt.nz)
• A drug interaction chart is also available through Know Your Stuff NZ (knowyourstuff.nz)