Source: New Zealand Police
Roadside drug driving testing is now fully operational across Tasman, with road policing teams equipped with another tool to keep our roads safe and help deter drug-impaired driving.
Tasman District started rolling out roadside drug testing in May in Nelson Bays and finished in Marlborough in September. The district now has 39 officers trained and qualified to carry out the procedure on drivers.
The last phase of the rollout saw several Marlborough road policing staff trained by the District Impairment Prevention Team. As with Nelson Bays and the West Coast, the initial training was immediately followed by operational activity.
Alongside roadside drug driving testing, staff completed alcohol screenings on hundreds of motorists, explaining the testing regime and taking the opportunity to educate drivers that testing for recent drug use is now active on Marlborough roads and can be required if they are stopped by police.
The response from many Marlborough motorists was supportive and positive. This included feedback from those who underwent screening tests, as well as those who received information about the new testing regime, highlighting strong community support for the visible prevention and drug testing for drivers.
Tasman Road Policing Team Leader Senior Sergeant Tara Lindsay, says the way the rollout has been received by motorists to date can be largely attributable to how officers have engaged and educated the public on it.
“I have been really impressed by how they explained roadside drug testing process to drivers. The procedure is proving to be powerful tool for both detecting drug-impaired drivers and deterring risky behaviour.”
The positive feedback was not isolated to Marlborough. In Nelson Bays, officers reported multiple instances of drivers expressing their support – even from those who tested positive for drugs.
One driver who was regularly using cannabis has since obtained a medical prescription and a clearer understanding of when they can safely drive.
Another driver who tested positive for methamphetamine told officers the result had reinforced the need to stop using drugs altogether.
The introduction of roadside drug driving testing has also supported wider policing efforts.
In a recent incident in Nelson Bays, a driver who refused to remain at a combined road policing checkpoint was later located by police. After again refusing to undergo a drug screening test, further enquiries led to the discovery of $500 in cash, 10 bags (39 grams) of methamphetamine and a knife.
Senior Sergeant Lindsay says the successful rollout reflects the collective effort of road policing teams across the district.
“The positive feedback from motorists and early operational results are already demonstrating the value of the programme in reducing harm and helping keep our communities safe.”
“Drug driving puts everyone at risk. Roadside drug testing provides another opportunity for Police to identify unsafe drivers and prevent tragedy on our roads.”
By the Numbers for Tasman District:
- 448 OFTs conducted in Tasman
- 16 positive tests (3.6% positivity rate, nationally 3.6%)
- 20 enforcement actions in Tasman
- Over 40,000 breaths tests conducted in combined checkpoints
ENDS
Note to media: Data is at 30 September 2026.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/01/roadside-drug-testing-roll-out-completed-in-tasman-district/