UK Drug Driving Roadside Test
Increase in number of charges being brought by police for drug driving
Drug-Driving is a growing UK problem with a steady year on year increase in the number of charges being brought by the police against UK drivers for drug driving (driving while under the influence of drugs )
Roadside testing was introduced by authorities in England in 2015. The drugalyser tests an oral fluid sample. The testing officer can select (from an approved set of test cartridges) which drugs are included in each test. By 2019 the annual convictions for drug-driving totalled 12500 44% of these offences were repeat offenders.
The most recent data set is for 2022 with 58117 convictions.
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Changes To Drug Driving Law In UK occurred in March 2015 & Roadside Drug Drive Test Kits
The UK government brought new legislation into effect on 2nd March 2015 which allows the police to perform roadside drug testing using a roadside oral saliva drug testing kits or 'drugalyser'
What's the drug testing kit the police use
The drug testing kit that the police use at the roadside is called Drugwipe made by Securetec and distributed in the UK by D.tec International limited. The test brand has never been made commercially available for sale.
Which drugs are tested for on the UK roadside drug test
Initially, the police roadside tests were limited to screens for Cannabis and Cocaine.
If they suspect other drugs have been used they may take the driver to the police station for further tests. A positive result on the roadside drug test will result in the driver being taken to the police station for a blood test.
The funding for roadside testing has varied since the introduction of the policy, and there is marked regional variation in the use and extent of drug testing by different forces. In theory all traffic police have the ability to perform a full roadside drug test during their shift.
The drugs that may be tested for under the new law include Cannabis, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Ketamine, Benzodiazepines, Methadone, Morphine or opiates.
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Are prescription drugs covered under the new roadside drug test
The following prescription drugs will also be covered under the new rules: Benzodiazepines including Clonazepam, Diazepam, Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol), Lorazepam, Oxazepam and Temazepam
What are the penalties in the UK if you are convicted of drug driving?
The legal penalties in the UK if you are convicted of drug driving are very similar to drink driving penalties and include losing your driving license, a fine of up to £5,000, up to a year in prison, and a criminal record.
The persons driving licence will also show that they have been convicted of drug driving. This will last for 11 years. When the driving license is re-instated it may be difficult to get insurance.
Drug driving test kits
The ALLTEST 6 Drug Saliva Drug Testing Kit DSD-867 MTD screens for the following drugs: Cannabis, Cocaine, Opiates, Amphetamine, Methadone, Benzodiazepine and is a good choice if you wish to screen for the drugs tested for on the UK police roadside drug test.
Roadside drug test detection times
Drugs are detected in saliva for up to a maximum of 72 hours after last use although many drugs including Cannabis are cleared much more quickly. Cannabis is usually only detectable in saliva for up to a maximum of 12 hours since last use. The advantage of saliva drug screening for roadside testing is that it looks for active impairment, no notice of testing is given, and that it mainly detects drugs that have been consumed within hours of the roadside drug test being performed rather than days.
The Police have the ability to perform confirmation laboratory testing of all roadside saliva screens. Most confirmations are performed on a venous blood sample.
Cut off levels using blood analysis for illegal drugs for confirmation laboratory tests (not roadside test kits)
It is an offence in the UK to drive with any illegal drugs above a specified level in your blood even if they haven’t affected your driving ability. It is also an offence if you’re unfit to drive because you’re on legal or illegal drugs (including prescription drugs) below guides are laboratory confirmation levels.
Cocaine (Benzoylecgonine) 10 micrograms per litre
Cannabis limit 2 micrograms per litre
LSD 1 micrograms per litre
Ketamine 20 micrograms per litre
MDMA, ecstasy and crystal meth having 10 micrograms per litre
Heroin 5 micrograms per litre
Cut off levels for prescription drugs
The cut-off levels for most prescription drugs are above the normal dose of the drug. Some prescription drugs do impair driving ability.
Drug driving limits for Cannabis in UK
The UK drug-driving limits for saliva screening tests are set so that passive inhalation of Cannabis will not cause a driver to be provide a positive test result or be over the legal blood limit, but being under the influence of drugs while driving will give a positive result.
Frequently asked questions about the roadside drug test in UK
1. What drugs can be detected in a UK roadside drug test?
The standard roadside drug test in the UK (saliva swab) detects cocaine and cannabis (THC). If impairment is suspected, the police may require a further blood test, which can detect other substances, including opiates, benzodiazepines, and amphetamines.
2. How long after using drugs can I test positive on a roadside drug test?
Detection times vary, but typically:
- Cocaine: Up to 24–48 hours
- Cannabis (THC): Up to 24 hours for occasional users (longer for regular users)
If a positive result is found, further tests (blood or urine) at a police station can detect drugs for several days or even weeks, depending on the substance and frequency of use.
3. What happens if I fail a roadside drug test?
If you test positive at the roadside, you will be taken to a police station for further testing, usually a blood test. If this confirms the presence of drugs above the legal limit, you could face:
- A driving ban of at least 12 months
- A fine (unlimited in some cases)
- Up to 6 months in prison
- A criminal record
Your driving licence may also carry a DR80 endorsement, which stays on your record for 11 years.
4. Can prescription medication cause a positive result?
Yes, certain prescribed medications can result in a positive test, including opioids, benzodiazepines, and amphetamines. If you are taking prescription drugs, you should carry proof (e.g., a doctor's note or prescription label). However, even with a prescription, you must not drive while impaired.
5. Can I refuse a roadside drug test?
Refusing to take a roadside drug test without a valid reason is a criminal offence. If you refuse, you could face the same penalties as if you had failed the test.
6. How accurate are roadside drug tests?
Roadside saliva tests are designed to be highly accurate, but false positives or negatives can occur. If you test positive, a blood test at a police station is used to confirm the result before any legal action is taken.
7. How can I check if I’m safe to drive?
If you have used any drugs (including prescription or over-the-counter medications), you can use a home drug test kit to check for the presence of substances in your system. However, the safest approach is to avoid driving if there is any doubt about impairment.
8. How long does Cocaine stay in your system for a roadside drug test?
How long n the UK, roadside drug tests (saliva swabs) can typically detect cocaine for up to 24–48 hours after use. However, detection times can vary based on metabolism, frequency of use, and individual factors.
If a roadside test is positive, a further blood or urine test at the police station may provide more accurate results, with urine tests detecting cocaine for 2–4 days or longer in heavy users.
9. How long does Cannabis (Weed) stay in your system for a roadside drug test?
Cannabis (THC) can be detected in a UK roadside saliva drug test for up to 24 hours after use in occasional users. However, in regular or heavy users, it may be detectable for up to 48 hours or longer.
If you test positive at the roadside, a blood test at the police station can detect cannabis for a much longer period:
- Occasional very light use: Up to 2–4 days may be longer
- Regular use: Up to a week may be longer
- Heavy, long-term use: Up to several weeks longer on some ultra sensitive urine THC tests
Detection times vary depending on metabolism, frequency of use, and THC concentration in the cannabis consumed. Even if you feel sober, THC can still be present in your system, leading to a positive test.