The Victorian Legislative Framework for the Random Testing Drivers at the Roadside for the Presence of Illicit Drugs: An Evaluation of the Characteristics of Drivers Detected from 2004 to 2006

Abstract

In December 2004, a new legislative framework for the random drug screening of drivers modeled on the successful random alcohol screening methodology came into force in Victoria, Australia. The new framework prohibits driving while methamphetamine (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are present at any level in a driver's specimen. This is enforced by police who have the legislative authority to randomly drug test drivers for the presence of MA, MDMA, and THC by oral fluid (saliva) sample screening at the roadside. This article outlines the new random drug testing legislative framework and the drug testing procedures currently in place in Victoria. This article also examines the data collected through the operation of the framework for the first two years since implementation in Victoria (December 2004–December 2006).

Keywords:

• Methamphetamine
• MDMA
• THC
• Driving
• RDT
• Road safety legislation
• Victoria
• Australia

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The investigators thank Victoria police and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine for the collection of the data presented in this article.