As at the start of each month, many new developments come into force in the law or disrupt your daily life. And among the many changes that took place in October this year, there was one that went relatively unnoticed. And he could play a nasty trick on some of you.
But let’s be honest, it’s a welcome change. Indeed, since October 1, the police can more easily subject motorists to a saliva test as part of a drug check. This was indicated by Federal Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet. The checklist of indicators allowing police officers to quickly assess whether a driver is suspected of recent drug use has also been adapted.
The new weapon of the Belgian police to fight against drug driving: a dozen copies already acquired by the FPS Justice
As part of the drug testing procedure, police officers use a checklist drawn up by experts to assess whether a driver is suspected of having recently used drugs. Until recently, a saliva test could only be carried out if three signs of consumption were identified. From now on, in certain cases, a single sign is enough to carry out a test, such as drug possession, the driver’s confession or a refusal to cooperate.
“Zero tolerance against driving under the influence is not a slogan, we intend to fully apply it on the ground”
Furthermore, the checklist now has a new section allowing you to indicate the signs demonstrating a state of intoxication or similar to intoxication. It is thus possible to prosecute motorists showing signs of recent drug use in court even if the saliva test was not able to detect the substance. This may particularly concern ketamine or synthetic drugs, which are currently not detectable by such saliva tests.
“Zero tolerance against driving under the influence is not a slogan, we intend to fully apply it on the ground,” commented the Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet in a press release. “This is especially important since driving under the influence is one of the three big killers on the road, along with distraction and speeding. »
