Drug drivers will receive on-the-spot fines and be banned from driving even longer.
Previously police had to wait up to months for the results of a laboratory analysis before issuing drug-affected drivers with fines.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Libby Murphy described the delayed process as “seriously concerning” as offending drivers could continue driving.
But under a new state-wide trial set to start this week, drug drivers who commit their first offence will now be issued a $495 infringement notice at the time of their offending.
They will also be banned from driving for a minimum of 12 hours and up to 24 hours – before their licence is officially suspended or cancelled following laboratory testing.
“Until now, police would have to wait for a toxicology certificate before issuing a drug driver with an infringement notice and the subsequent imposition of a six-month licence suspension”, Ms Murphy said.
“You should not and do not have the privilege to drive a vehicle if you have drugs in your system, so we’re taking steps to remove that privilege a lot faster if you’re caught doing the wrong thing.”
Drivers still have the option to exercise their rights to challenge their fine through the court process.
Ms Murphy said technology and processes used in its roadside drug testing program were extremely accurate but reassured infringements would be withdrawn if laboratory testing detected an error.
