It is an offence to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with any level the following illicit drugs in your system:

• THC (Cannabis)
• Methylamphetamine (Speed, Ice or Crystal Meth)
• MDMA (Ecstasy)

Unlike drink driving, there is no legal limit when it comes to drugs. It is an offence to get behind the wheel with any amount of an illicit drug in your system.

Police can randomly stop you any time, anywhere in metropolitan and regional South Australia and test you for illicit drugs.

 

How do they test for drugs?

If you are required to undergo a drug driving saliva test:

• You will remain in your vehicle
• A police officer will provide you with a testing device
• You will be required to wipe the device over your tongue to obtain a sample of your saliva for testing
• The test takes approximately 5 minutes
• A Police Officer will advise you if the test is positive or negative
• If the test is positive you will be required to provide a further oral fluid sample for analysis in a drug bus or at a police station
• If your test is negative you'll be free to go

The test does not detect prescription or common over the counter medications such as cold and flu tablets.

 

Will the test detect drugs that I've taken the night before?

Cannabis

The drug testing device is able to detect levels of THC (Cannabis) several hours after use. The length of time depends on the amount and the potency of the cannabis taken and your personal metabolic rate.

Speed and Ecstasy

Methylamphetamine (Speed) and MDMA (Ecstasy) may be detected up to approximately 24 hours after use. Again, the exact time will vary depending on the size of the dose, other drugs taken at the same time, as well your metabolism.