Cabinet approves bill to allow roadside testing for drug driving

The Road Traffic Bill 2015 allows for preliminary testing of oral fluid for drugs at the roadside or in a Garda station, and creates a new specific offence of driving with the presence of certain illicit drugs in the bloodstream.

The penalty for the new offence on summary conviction is a fine of up to €5,000, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.

The offence also carries not less than one year disqualification from driving for a first offence and not less than two years for a second or subsequent offence.

Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe said drug driving was an area “where the law needs strengthening”.

He added: “The measures I am proposing will provide the Gardaí with the necessary tools to address this unacceptable and dangerous practice.

“At the same time, I must emphasize that we all share a responsibility for road safety, and when we get behind the wheel it is up to us as drivers to act in a safe and responsible way.”

Drug addiction service the Ana Liffey Drug Project has said that motorists could test positive for drugs even if they have not used them for a week or more.

Cannabis can remain in a user’s system for up to 28 days from use.

However, Mr Donohoe told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that a “growing amount of evidence … indicates very clearly that the presence of drugs like that can impair your ability to drive a vehicle safely”.