Tough drug-driving law to launch

March 14, 2012

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Ordinance 2011, which implements drug tests and heavier penalties to combat drug driving, will come into effect tomorrow.
 
The Transport & Housing Bureau said the ordinance makes driving under the influence of heroin, ketamine, 'ice', cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy a zero-tolerance offence. A driver with these drugs in their system will face at least three years in jail, a $25,000 fine, and driving disqualification.
 
A driver found to be under the influence of other drugs will also breach the law.
 
The ordinance empowers Police to require a driver to undergo preliminary drug tests. The driver may also be required to provide blood or urine specimens for laboratory tests.
 
Refusal to take the tests or provide specimens without a reasonable excuse will be an offence.