DrugWipe — Roadside Drug Screen Workflow
Preliminary drug test under s.6C RTA 1988 using an approved oral fluid device (DrugWipe 5S / 6S) for cannabis (THC) and cocaine. Arrest, station evidential blood, charge under s.5A.
The steps
- 1
1. Lawful stop
Stop the vehicle under s.163 RTA. Form a s.6 trigger: reasonable suspicion of drugs in body, moving traffic offence, or involvement in an RTC.
- 2
2. Require preliminary drug test
State: 'I require you to provide a specimen of oral fluid for a preliminary drug test under s.6C of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Failure to provide is an offence.'
- 3
3. Run the device
Wipe the inside of the cheek/tongue per manufacturer instructions. Wait the result window (typically 8 minutes). Two lines = positive.
- 4
4. Arrest on positive
Arrest under s.6D RTA for failing the preliminary drug test. Caution. Necessity = prompt and effective investigation (Code G).
- 5
5. Station — evidential blood
Custody book in. Run MGDD/B. Healthcare professional takes a blood sample under s.7. Sample split — one half offered to suspect in sealed kit.
- 6
6. Submit to lab & charge decision
Submit to forensic provider (Eurofins / SYNLAB). On positive over s.5A limit — charge s.5A drug-driving. Disqualification minimum 12 months.
Related Acts & sections
Drug-drive offence with prescribed limits for 17 controlled drugs (illicit and prescribed). Operates the same way as s.5 but for drugs.
Power for a constable to require a preliminary breath test, preliminary impairment test, or preliminary drug test where one of the statutory triggers is met.
Watch outs
- DrugWipe screens for THC and cocaine only — other drugs require an FIT under s.6B and a s.4 (unfit) charge route.
- Statutory medical defence under s.5A(3) for prescribed drugs taken as directed — capture meds list at custody.
- Don't lose the device — it is the exhibit; bag, seal, label MG/11.