Drugged driving law brought forward, benzodiazepines added

06 October 2009

The government has brought forward the start date of legislation aimed at tackling drugged driving to 1 November, a month earlier than previously planned.

Transport Minister Steven Joyce says drugged driving is a significant road safety issue and with the Police indicating that they will be operationally ready to go at the end of this month there is no reason to delay.

The 1 November start date coincides with the new road user rule banning the use of hand held mobile phones. 

The scope of the legislation will also be widened to include benzodiazepines.  These are sedatives and anti-anxiety medications and research shows their use can lead to severe impairment in driving ability.

Read Transport Minister Steven Joyce's media release on the beehive website.