Today, Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott and Minister for Police Joe Szacaks announced changes coming into effect from Monday 13 February 2023 giving police officers the authority to issue an Immediate Loss of Licence (ILOL) notice to drivers who test positive for prescribed drugs, removing them from the road immediately.
This is a significant change from the current process where offending drivers are issued with an expiation notice or summons to attend court which may then result in a loss of licence but allows them to continue driving in the meantime.
In addition to ILOL notices to drug drivers, the new laws also mean that a person driving recklessly or dangerously could have their licence suspended or disqualified by being issued an ILOL.
Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott says that South Australia Police welcomes these changes saying that it is another strategy to keep South Australians safe.
“Driving is a privilege. These changes send a hard and clear message that reckless driving and those who choose to drive with drugs in their system are making a very dangerous decision. They do not deserve to be on the road,” said AC Parrott.
“Those who drive with drugs in their system or who drive dangerously are unable to react quickly or use good judgement on the roads. This puts other drivers, pedestrians, police and other road users at significant risk.”
On average, over the past five years (2017-2021), 20% of drivers/riders killed on South Australian roads tested positive for a prescribed drug.
In addition to ILOL notices to drug drivers, the new laws also mean that a person driving recklessly or dangerously could have their licence suspended or disqualified by being issued an ILOL.
