South Australian drivers will soon face tougher drug testing laws, with roadside drug testing now expanded to include the detection of cocaine. The move aims to reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes linked to the illicit substance.
Until now, roadside drug tests in South Australia could only detect THC (the active component in cannabis), methamphetamine, and MDMA. Cocaine could only be identified through blood samples after major crashes, but the updated Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) (Drink and Drug Driving) Amendment Regulations have officially listed it as a prescribed drug.
The change, requested by Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, follows a rise in cocaine use and drug-related driving offences across the state. “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,” Stevens said.
Minister for Police Blair Boyer said the decision reflects a strong stance on road safety. “This government is doing everything it can to keep our roads safe,” he said. “It’s not good enough that people taking illicit substances like cocaine are risking their own lives, but once they get behind the wheel, they are risking the lives of others. It is ridiculous behaviour and there will be consequences should you choose to be an idiot on our roads.”
This addition aligns South Australia with other jurisdictions including Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory, all of which already test for cocaine at the roadside.
SAPOL data shows drug driving continues to pose a significant threat. So far this year, it has contributed to eight deaths and 76 serious injuries, with more than 2,600 expiation notices issued. In 2024, drug driving was a factor in 14 deaths and 129 serious injuries.
Penalties for drug driving vary, but first offenders face an $875 fine, a $105 victims of crime levy, four demerit points and a minimum three-month disqualification. Those who refuse to comply with a test risk losing their licence immediately, six demerit points, and a minimum 12-month ban.
Since roadside drug testing began in South Australia in 2006, up to 50,000 tests have been conducted each year. A new road safety campaign will launch statewide tomorrow to highlight the risks and consequences of driving under the influence of cocaine.
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