Credit FreePik

Already live in the Wellington region, roadside saliva drug testing is now being rolled out nationwide, with all regions expected to be live by mid-2026.

Joining practices in similar jurisdictions such as Australia and the UK, New Zealand Police is screening drivers for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from cannabis, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) ecstasy and cocaine, with a positive test resulting in a 12-hour driving ban plus further lab analysis of the sample.

The post-test analysis screens for up to 25 other qualifying drugs listed in Schedule 5 of the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Act 2025, including alprazolam, amphetamine, buprenorphine, clonazepam, codeine, diazepam, dihydrocodeine, fentanyl, GHB, ketamine, lorazepam, methadone, midazolam, morphine, nitrazepam, oxazepam, oxycodone, temazepam, tramadol, triazolam and zopiclone.

Saliva thresholds are designed to be indicative of recent use of each drug, according to New Zealand Police information.

While some of these substances are present in medication for pain management and sedation (administered by specialists only), levels resulting from this type of administration are below the laboratory cut-off limit, NZ Police advised. Patients who receive an infringement due to prescribed medication use can apply for a medical defence after the notice is issued.