Source: New Zealand Police

Roadside drug testing will be rolled out in Wellington next month, with a plan to spread nation-wide by mid-2026.

New Zealand Police representatives have assured ADHD New Zealand that those on stimulant medication for ADHD will not be penalised by the screening process.

Police say ADHD prescription medication won't test positive 

Police will be screening for four of 25 illicit drugs identified as having the highest risk to road safety in New Zealand. The device they have procured will test for the presence of methamphetamine, THC (cannabis), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine. 

"It does not test for amphetamine or methylphenidate. You will not test positive for your ADHD prescription medication at the roadside," New Zealand Police say.

What you need to know 

New Zealand Police have put together key information on what the testing means for people on stimulant medication for ADHD, which you can find here: Roadside drug testing and ADHD (adhd.org.nz)  

(A PDF version of this document can be found at the bottom of this article.) 

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has a useful breakdown, including information about non-ADHD medications: Roadside drug testing: what you need to know (drugfoundation.org.nz) 

For information on the legislation behind this, visit: Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2025 (legistlation.govt.nz) 

What do you want to know? 

We will be gathering (anonymous) information to develop a FAQ resource with the aid of New Zealand Police. If you have any questions about this material, or that haven't been address by it, please send them through to comms@adhd.org.nz