The government is planning to include criminal limits for drug driving into legislation before Parliament, to give police more options to deal with those driving under the influence. The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill - currently before select committee - gives police the power to conduct random roadside testing. While drug drivers "already face serious criminal penalties if they are caught", Williams says, "the current law makes it hard for police to carry out more tests that could deter drug driving." "The current approach to drug driving enforcement is not as effective as it could be at deterring this high-risk behaviour." Ministers will write to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee requesting they consider the changes contained in an amendment to the Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 01, 2021 04:07 UTC