Two months on after roadside drug driving testing was introduced in Wellington, Police continue to gain valuable operational knowledge and are evaluating processes on this new and important road safety tool.
Since implementing testing in mid-December 2025 to further bolster road safety efforts, more than 300 screening tests have been completed. As of 18 February 2026, seven infringements have been issued.
"Overall, there has been positive and valuable feedback from the public across the Wellington region and from our frontline staff involved with roadside drug driving testing," says Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing.
"The operational insights gained since December have been beneficial, and will feed into the national rollout which starts in April this year. We will be testing across New Zealand by mid-2026.
"National drug-driving testing will further bolster our policing efforts in making roads safer for all, and deterring drivers who are impaired whether by drugs or alcohol from endangering the lives of others."
Testing remains ongoing in locations spanning across the broader Wellington region, from Kapiti, Porirua, Wellington City, Hutt Valley, and all the way through to Masterton.
"Drivers cannot use a prescription or medical note at the roadside to stop them from undergoing a test or to dispute a positive saliva screening test result.
"The message is still the same for drivers who drive impaired by drugs - don't take drugs and drive," says Superintendent Greally.
"You need to know what you are taking and how it might affect driving and any period of time where it is unsafe to drive.
"If you intend to get behind the wheel after consuming impairing drugs, you will be caught."
