Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
The 1 November start date is a month earlier than planned, and coincides with the new road user rule banning the use of hand held mobile phones.
Benzodiazepines, sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, have also been added to the legislation becasue research shows their use can lead to impaired driving ability.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says the Police have indicated that they will be operationally ready to go at the end of this month, so there is no reason to delay.
The Land Transport Amendment Act 2009 creates a new offence for drivers impaired by drugs, introduces compulsory testing when the driver is suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs and allows for blood testing to determine whether there are drugs in the bloodstream.
