Motor Accident Commission

In reply to Mr PISONI (Unley) (1 August 2016). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety): I am advised:

There is zero tolerance to the presence of prescribed drugs in a driver's system. The roadside driver drug test detects the presence of any amount of THC, the impairing chemical of marijuana. The offence is committed if the drug is present.

The MAC drug driving public education campaign seeks to educate drivers as to how long, at a minimum, THC remains detectable by the roadside drug driver test. The five hour time frame was determined through consultation with South Australia Police (SAPOL). That time frame was provided to SAPOL on advice from Forensic Science SA.

Drivers who test positive at the roadside to THC are directed by police not to drive for five hours. SAPOL have prepared and issue written instructions not to drive for this time period so that all drivers receive consistent information.