WHY THIS PETITION EXISTS

Roadside oral drug testing is a serious enforcement measure with real-world consequences for ordinary New Zealanders.

Internationally, roadside drug testing programmes have faced ongoing scrutiny over accuracy, false positives, and reliability in real-world conditions. These concerns have been widely discussed in academic literature, overseas court cases, and public policy reviews, and warrant careful examination in a New Zealand context.

A positive roadside result can affect a person’s ability to continue their journey, keep their job, maintain a clean legal record, and protect their reputation.

When a policy carries these impacts, it is reasonable to expect that it is accurate, proportionate, transparent, and independently scrutinised.

This petition exists to call for an independent review of roadside oral drug testing in New Zealand, before it continues or expands further.

THE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE REVIEW

Roadside oral fluid testing raises legitimate questions that deserve open and independent examination, including:

- How accurate tests are in real roadside conditions

- The rate and impact of false positives

- How long substances may be detected after any impairment has passed

- The effect on people using prescribed or legally obtained medications

- Whether results reliably measure impairment or simply prior exposure

These concerns are not theoretical. For example, a driver who used a legally prescribed medication days earlier, or who was exposed to a substance without impairment, may still face roadside consequences before confirmatory testing is completed. Even where results are later overturned, the initial disruption, stress, and reputational impact can be significant.

These are reasonable questions in a democratic society.

SAFETY, CONSENT, AND VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Roadside oral fluid testing involves placing a swab inside the mouth to collect a biological sample.

This raises further questions that warrant independent review, particularly for vulnerable populations, including:

- People taking prescription medications

- Individuals with autoimmune conditions, oral sensitivities, or compromised immune systems

- Pregnant individuals

- People required to undergo repeated testing

Key questions include:

- What substances or reagents are present on the swab

- Whether any chemicals, preservatives, or coatings may enter the mouth

- What safety testing has been conducted for repeated or widespread use

- Whether sufficient information is provided prior to testing

These are basic safety and consent considerations, not allegations of harm.

A QUESTION OF DEFINITION

Oral fluid testing sits at the intersection of law enforcement and medical-style intervention.

According to widely accepted health frameworks, a medical procedure generally involves the collection of biological material, physical interaction with the body, or diagnostic testing for physiological substances.

Roadside oral fluid testing involves introducing a foreign object into the body, collecting a biological sample, and analysing bodily fluids.

This raises an important and unresolved question:

Should roadside oral fluid testing be clearly defined and governed as a medical procedure, or as a purely enforcement-based activity?

This distinction matters because it affects:

- Consent standards

- Disclosure requirements

- Safety oversight

- Rights protections

Clarifying this definition benefits both the public and enforcement agencies.

WHY AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW MATTERS

An independent review allows evidence to be examined without institutional bias, safety and accuracy questions to be addressed transparently, and public confidence to be strengthened.

Independent scrutiny helps ensure that enforcement tools are fit for purpose, scientifically sound, and rights-consistent before they are normalised.

Review does not undermine road safety. It strengthens trust in the system.

WHAT THIS PETITION IS ASKING FOR

This petition calls for:

- An independent and transparent review of roadside oral drug testing

- Examination of accuracy, reliability, and detection thresholds

- Review of safety, consent, and swab composition

- Clear public reporting of findings

- Any necessary changes before further rollout or expansion

This is about getting it right, not stopping progress.

WHAT SUPPORTING THIS PETITION MEANS

By signing this petition, you are supporting independent scrutiny, evidence-based policy, transparency, accountability, and public confidence in enforcement tools.

WHAT SUPPORTING THIS PETITION DOES NOT MEAN

Signing this petition does not mean you are anti-police, opposed to road safety, refusing lawful instructions, or being encouraged to break the law.

This petition is about review, clarity, and fairness.

CALL TO ACTION

Roadside oral drug testing is already affecting New Zealanders today.

If you believe these questions should be independently reviewed before further normalisation or expansion, now is the time to act.

Add your name to support an independent review.

FINAL REASSURANCE

This petition does not provide legal advice and does not encourage unlawful behaviour.
It exists to request independent review through lawful and democratic channels.

New Zealand owned and operated. Independent. Community-driven.