South African law enforcement authorities are likely to upgrade their technology to measure drugs other than alcohol at roadblocks. This is the view of Rhys Evans, MD of breathalyser manufacturer ALCO-Safe, who says the routine testing of drivers for THC consumption is likely to be implemented in the foreseeable future.
He says the tech upgrade is overdue because anecdotal evidence shows that substance abuse other than alcohol is increasingly a cause of traffic accidents.
“The precise scale of drug-impaired driving in South Africa remains difficult to measure due to a lack of systematic testing. Unlike alcohol detection using breathalysers, there is no comparable, routine drug screening protocol at roadblocks” he says.
“This absence of testing even affects post-accident investigations, where consistent procedures for comprehensive drug and alcohol analysis are not always followed, leaving reliable data scarce.”
Standard breathalizers aren’t up to the THC task
He says it’s a matter of time before authorities upgrade their breathalysers to allow for testing of substances other than alcohol.
“The core limitation of existing roadside checks lies in the technology,” he says.
“Standard police breathalysers are designed solely to measure breath alcohol concentration through a specific chemical reaction. Consequently, these devices cannot detect other intoxicating substances.
“Whether a driver has consumed cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines (such as speed or ecstasy), or opiates (like heroin or certain prescription medications), a standard breathalyser test will not register their presence. This means individuals significantly impaired by these drugs, posing a clear danger, may pass undetected through routine checks.”
Evans says it’s difficult to know how bad the drug-driving situation is in the country.
Evans: Drug driving is getting worse
“Given the prevalence of substance use in the country and the decriminalisation of private cannabis use, it is reasonable to expect road safety issues mirroring those caused by alcohol-impaired driving. Observing the known frequency of driving after alcohol consumption, a similar pattern likely exists with drug use, including combining drugs and alcohol. The current lack of visible drug testing at roadblocks likely reinforces a perception among drivers that they can use drugs and operate vehicles without consequence.”
He says that while establishing precise legal limits for drug impairment is scientifically more complex than for alcohol, the increased danger posed by drug-impaired driving is undeniable.
“Advanced mobile testing systems offer a potential solution for roadside drug detection. Modern, portable devices now enable police to conduct rapid and accurate checks for multiple drugs using a simple saliva sample. The procedure involves a driver providing a saliva swab, which is then inserted into an analyser. Within approximately five minutes, the device can reliably indicate the presence of substances like cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, or opiates.
The speed and accuracy of this saliva-based technology make it suitable for roadside deployment. Unlike more invasive and time-consuming urine tests requiring specific facilities and causing enforcement delays, this method allows officers to conduct immediate drug screening with minimal disruption.
Legal framework for roadside drug testing still has to be put in place
“However, implementing advanced roadside drug testing faces legal and practical obstacles. South Africa currently lacks officially approved devices for this purpose, coupled with insufficient specific legislation detailing testing procedures and establishing legally defensible thresholds for drug impairment. While the existing Road Traffic Act prohibits driving under the influence of drugs, it lacks the necessary framework for effective roadside testing and subsequent prosecution,” he says.
“For roadside drug testing to become operational, amendments to the Road Traffic Act are required. These changes must clearly define testing protocols, establish illegal concentration levels for various drugs in a driver’s system, and ensure test results are admissible as evidence in court. Additionally, police officers will require comprehensive training on the correct use of these devices, along with unambiguous guidelines for saliva sample collection, handling, and result interpretation.”
Evans says South Africa can draw valuable lessons from other nations that have successfully integrated roadside drug testing programmes. By proactively addressing these legal and operational challenges, authorities can enhance their ability to tackle the dangers presented by drug-impaired drivers, contributing to safer roads.
The news source for this report is ALCO-Safe’s: Roadside Drug Tests Face Legal Hurdles, published on 8 June 2025.
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