Queensland Drug Driving Review
In response to an increase in drug driving related crashes and lives lost, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) undertook the Queensland Drug Driving Review (the Review) to explore strategies for reducing drug driving.
The Review involved extensive research on drugs and driving and consultation with people who have lived experience, technical experts, academics and government stakeholders.
This following document provides a summary of the review findings and recommendations:
To inform the review, TMR commissioned several independent research and consultation activities. The reports from these include:
- Drug Driving Insights Report
- Cannabis and Driving Consultation Report
- Modelling approach to address drug driving trauma
Some redactions have been made to these documents to protect personal information.
The Crisafulli Government is committed to reducing drug driving trauma and supports all Review recommendations. Outlined below are the five key recommendations.
- Test for cocaine in roadside tests (delivered in 2023)
An early recommendation from the Review was to expand the roadside drug testing program to include Cocaine. This recommendation was implemented in July 2023 following an increase in the number of drivers testing positive when observed to be under the influence. Drivers who test positive to any presence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), methylamphetamine and cocaine need to attend court and will face possible licence disqualification, fines and jail.
- Streamline the roadside drug testing process
The Review recommended that the roadside drug testing process be streamlined to reduce the number of steps involved. This will reduce costs and save time, freeing up Queensland Police Service officers to conduct additional tests, thereby removing more dangerous drivers from the road.
- Introduce an education program for drug drivers
The Review recommended the introduction of an education program to assist drug drivers in separating their drug use from driving. Completing the education program would be required before being able to get relicensed.
- Introduce combined drink and drug driving offences
The Review recommended the introduction of combined offences for drivers who have both alcohol and a relevant drug (THC, MDMA, methylamphetamine or cocaine) in their system.
- Produce clear communication about cannabis
The final recommendation from the Review was to enhance the availability of public information for patients and the medical community to clarify the complex issues around driving for users of medicinal cannabis.
The issue of medicinal cannabis and driving was a key focus, and a range of options were explored extensively. Factors considered included the medical profession’s concerns with current prescribing practices, limitations with scientific drug testing options and the lack of evidence that drivers taking medicinal cannabis present a lower risk. The review concluded that no changes should be made to current zero tolerance drug driving laws.
We will continue to monitor emerging research and evidence to ensure that Queensland’s approach follows best practice.
Legislation will progress in 2026 to streamline the roadside drug testing process, and introduce combined drink and drug driving offences and an education program for convicted drug drivers.