Belgium starts drug testing of drivers

Belgian authorities are planning to tackle the growing problem of drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of drugs. Testing of a new system that uses saliva to establish whether drivers have drugs present in their system is now starting. Previous methods of testing for drugs using blood tests or psycho-motor skills will be replaced, should the tests on the new system prove successful.
May 15, 2012 Read time: 1 min
Belgian authorities are planning to tackle the growing problem of drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of drugs.

Testing of a new system that uses saliva to establish whether drivers have drugs present in their system is now starting.

Previous methods of testing for drugs using blood tests or psycho-motor skills will be replaced, should the tests on the new system prove successful.

The new system is said to be quicker and more accurate than the previous methods and can detect a range of illegal drugs as well as prescribed medication, the use of which should disallow drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Drivers caught operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs will be fined and have their licences suspended.

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