{"id":3918,"date":"2026-03-23T01:19:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T01:19:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/?p=3918"},"modified":"2026-03-23T01:19:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T01:19:31","slug":"new-roadside-drug-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/blog\/new-roadside-drug-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Roadside drug testing has arrived"},"content":{"rendered":"

Roadside drug testing has now been rolled out across New Zealand following successful trials in Wellington. While the focus is on improving road safety, the change could also have practical implications for businesses that rely on staff driving for work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what employers need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n

What do the roadside tests check for?<\/b><\/h3>\n

There has been some confusion in the media about prescription medications triggering roadside drug tests and leaving drivers stranded. To clarify the facts, we\u2019ve spoken with NZ Police, pharmacists, and experts involved in the supply and use of the saliva testing devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

The roadside saliva tests are designed to detect specific drugs at specific threshold levels. Many common prescription medications, including ADHD medications, will not trigger a positive roadside result, either because they are not included in the test panel or because the detectable thresholds are set well above normal therapeutic levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

What about medicinal cannabis?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Medicinal cannabis containing THC can trigger a roadside drug test, even if it has been legally prescribed by a doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n

The test does not distinguish between medicinal and recreational cannabis \u2014 it simply detects the presence of THC.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have employees who drive for work and use prescribed medicinal cannabis, it\u2019s important they understand this risk. A confidential conversation can help ensure everyone understands the potential implications for driving and workplace safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

How the testing process works<\/b><\/h3>\n

The process is similar to alcohol testing and involves two stages.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Initial roadside screening test \u2013 This indicates whether target drugs may be present.<\/span>
    \n<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Confirmatory test \u2013 If the first test is positive, a second test is conducted to confirm the result.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    While false positives are considered very unlikely, they are not impossible.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What this means for your business<\/b><\/h3>\n

    If one of your drivers returns a positive roadside test, they will be stood down immediately and unable to continue driving \u2014 even if they believe the result is incorrect or related to prescribed medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In this situation:<\/span><\/p>\n