Gardaí to test drivers for drug use

ROADSIDE drug-testing is to be introduced in the new year, it has been confirmed.

Legislation is being drafted, and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar said gardaí will be able to ask drivers to perform tests at the roadside in order to determine if they are driving under the influence of drugs. Any driver who fails the roadside test, or who appears to be under the influence of drugs, will be arrested.

“These new laws will allow us to fast-track measures against drug driving. It’s already against the law to drive under the influence of drugs, but gardaí will soon be able to conduct roadside drug tests,” said Mr Varadkar. “This will make it easier to detect and prosecute drug driving.”