Police Enforcement

If a driver:

• is involved in a traffic accident;
• has committed a traffic offence while the vehicle is in motion; or
• is suspected of driving under the influence of specified illicit drugs or other drugs or driving after use or consumption of specified illicit drugs,

a police officer may require the driver to undergo one or more of the following preliminary drug tests either at roadside or in a police station: 

• Drug Influence Recognition Observation;
• Impairment Test *.

 

* The Impairment Test is carried out at a police station specified by the police officer who makes the requirement.  The test provides a scientific and objective means for police officers to decide whether a driver is required to provide specimens of blood or/and urine for laboratory drug analysis.  It is widely adopted in overseas jurisdictions for screening out persons who are impaired by drug(s) to the extent of being incapable of proper control of a motor vehicle. It consists of five specific components, namely-
Eye Examinations (consisting of pupillary examination and Gaze Nystagmus examination) - an indicator of the effects of drugs on a person's nervous system;
Modified Romberg Balance Test - an indicator of a person's internal clock and ability to balance;
Walk and Turn Test - to test a person's ability to divide attention between walking, balancing and processing instructions;
One Leg Stand Test - to test a person's coordination, balance and ability to count out loud according to instructions; and
Finger to Nose Test - to test a person's depth perception and ability to balance and process instructions.

Drivers who fail to undergo the preliminary drug tests or who undergo the preliminary drug tests and are assessed with driving impairment are required to surrender their driving licenses for 24 hours.

For related information, please visit the website of the Police at http://www.police.gov.hk.

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