Anti–drug driving
Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous as it can affect driving ability. With side effects such as slower reaction times, distorted perceptions of speed and distance and reduced concentration and coordination, why would you risk it?
From 2006 to 2010, alcohol and other drug use were identified as a factor in 550 deaths on Queensland roads, or 34.3 per cent of the Queensland road toll†.
Random roadside drug testing
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of illegal drugs. Police conduct random roadside drug tests to detect any presence of:
- THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol) – the active ingredient in cannabis/marijuana
- Methylamphetamine – also known as speed and ice
- MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) – the active ingredient in ecstasy.
These drugs can be detected in a simple saliva test.
A first offence carries a penalty of up to A$1400 and you could be disqualified from driving for up to nine months.
More information on roadside drug driver testing and how driving is affected by other medications (including over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications) is available in the Drug driving fact sheet (PDF, 141 KB).
Safety tips
Mixing drugs with other drugs or alcohol can seriously affect your health and your ability to drive safely. You may not feel intoxicated when in fact you could be over the limit.
- Never drive after taking illegal drugs.
- Never drive after taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications that could affect your driving.
- If you take any drug and you are unsure how it will affect your ability to drive, don't drive. Use public transport, ask someone else to drive or catch a taxi.
For confidential help and/or information contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service on +61 7 3837 5989a or 1800 177 833f (all hours).
Related information
†Statistics on drugs and alcohol cannot be separated.
aHigher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. If calling outside of Queensland, STD rates will apply.
fFree call in Australia, call charges apply to calls from mobiles phones.
