Everything you need to know about Preliminary Drug Testing on Irish roads from today

From today Gardai will be conducting preliminary drug testing on Irish roads after Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross announced the commencement of the drug driving provisions in the Road Traffic Act 2016. 

One of the key measures in the legislation provides for Preliminary Drug Testing, which will enable Gardaí to test motorists whom they suspect of driving under the influence of drugs at the roadside.

The new Garda powers mean Gardaí can now establish roadside checkpoints, Mandatory Intoxicant Checkpoints (MIT), to test drivers for the presence of both alcohol and drugs.

The new drug testing devices (Dräger DrugTest 5000) involve testing a sample of a driver’s oral fluid (saliva) for the presence of cannabis, cocaine, opiates (heroin, morphine, etc) and benzodiazepines (valium). The new devices will also be available in Garda stations.

Commenting today on the introduction of Preliminary Drug Testing Minister Shane Ross said: “Driving under the influence of drugs has been an offence in Ireland since 1961.

“The law states that a person must not be impaired (through alcohol, drugs or any combination of both) while driving or in charge of a vehicle.

“However, driving under the influence of drugs remains a problem in Ireland. It is estimated that drug driving is a factor in approximately one in ten fatal crashes.

“Drug driving not only puts the driver at risk but also passengers and others who share the road. The introduction of Preliminary Drug Testing now strengthens the ability of the Gardaí to tackle the problem.

“This is just one step in a multi-faceted approach my department and I are taking to tackle the recent increase in road fatalities.”

According to Gardai there will be 86 drug screening devices located in Garda stations nationally and 50 more available for use at the roadside. Over time up to 150 devices will be available for use at the roadside.

Speaking today Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn said: “While the test will take longer to conduct than the roadside test for alcohol, the test is easy to carry out and within minutes will tell if a driver has drugs in their system.”

Concerns have been raised by some in relation to drivers who drive while using prescription drugs, and speaking at the launch, Director of the Medical Bureau for Road Safety, Professor Denis Cusack explained that “drivers with medical conditions should continue to take their prescribed medications in accordance with healthcare advice and medical fitness-to-drive guidelines”.

He continued: “If you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines under the advice of your doctor or pharmacist, and so long as those medicines don’t impair your driving, you have nothing to be concerned about. If you are in any doubt, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about your concerns.”

The Road Safety Authority of Ireland have also issued several scenarios in which drivers may find themselves, including drivers who are prescribed certain drugs or medical cannabis. 

Check out the list of scenarios HERE