From 15 December 2025 police in Wellington began screening drivers' saliva for THC, methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine; testing went nationwide on 1 July 2026. A positive screen leads to a second screen and a laboratory sample, and two positive screens mean a 12-hour driving ban. A laboratory result at or above the threshold brings a NZ$200 fine and 50 demerit points for one drug, or NZ$400 and 75 points for two or more; refusing the test brings the same NZ$400 and 75 points. Drivers with a prescription can apply for a medical defence.[1][2][3]
Listed for context. No score change is recorded for New Zealand here.
References
- New Zealand Police — Police rolls out roadside drug driver testing (15 December 2025)Wellington start and testing processarchived
- New Zealand Police — Roadside drug driving testing: penalties and outcomesPenalties table and medical defence
- New Zealand Police — Roadside drug testing operating nationwide (16 July 2026)Nationwide from 1 July; 4,143 tests and 134 positive results to 30 June 2026
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