From tomorrow, South Australia Police will be targeting people who consume cocaine and drive.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said cocaine effects may last a short time but can be detected up to 24 hours after consumption.
"We know that consumption of cocaine can lead to overconfidence and aggression, reduced inhibition, increased risk-taking behaviours, agitation and loss of concentration, delusion, and affected vision, all traits you don't want in a person driving," Commissioner Stevens said.
"It is crucial that roadside drug testing includes cocaine to keep these dangerous drivers from our roads."
So far this year, drug driving contributed to eight people losing their lives, and 76 received life changing serious injuries. More than 2,600 drug drivers have received expiation notices.
This is compared to 2024, where drug driving was a factor in 14 of the lives lost on our roads and 129 lifechanging serious injuries.
A new road safety campaign to educate road users about the consequences of driving under the influence of cocaine will launch statewide.
"This new campaign highlights the overconfidence that taking cocaine induces, causing offenders to overlook the risk they pose to themselves and other road users," Commissioner Stevens said.
Roadside random drug testing (RDT) has been in operation in South Australia since 1 July 2006 and up to 50,000 tests are conducted each year. Drug testing currently detects methamphetamine, THC (the active component of cannabis) and MDMA (ecstasy).
"The new drug test will reinforce our existing capabilities and become the new norm for our random drug testing campaigns, including the blitz operations conducted throughout the year," Commissioner Stevens said.
Severe penalties apply to drivers who commit drug driving offences including an immediate loss of licence along with the potential to immediately impound the vehicle. The penalty is a $875 fine, a $102 victim of crime levy, a minimum of three months of disqualification, and four demerit points.
Refusing, or failing to comply to a random drug test is also an offence, incurring an immediate loss of licence, six demerit points, and a court imposed penalty with a minimum of 12 months disqualification.
