New screening procedures for driving under the influence of drugs in France

Reinforcement of road checks: what will change in 2024

Since October 1, 2024 , France has tightened its laws on drug testing while driving . Faced with the increase in drug-related road accidents , the authorities have adopted new measures to strengthen the fight against driving under the influence of illicit substances. From now on, even in the absence of formal detection of a substance via a saliva test THC, cocaine, amphetamines or opiates , law enforcement can initiate prosecutions if they observe clear signs of consumption.

This development is part of a context of increased road safety and aims to fill the gaps in traditional saliva tests , which do not always allow the detection of certain synthetic drugs or recent consumption. Deciphering these new regulations on drug screening while driving .

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A tougher approach is necessary in the face of the increase in drug-impaired driving

In recent years, roadside drug checks have revealed a worrying increase in the number of drivers testing positive for illicit substances. According to a study by the ONISR (National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory), nearly one in three fatal accidents is linked to the consumption of narcotics and/or alcohol .

In response to this observation, the French authorities have decided to strengthen the legal framework for drug screening tests while driving in order to more effectively punish dangerous behavior. Among the most frequently detected substances are:

✔️ THC (cannabis)
✔️ Cocaine
✔️ Amphetamines and methamphetamines
✔️ MDMA (ecstasy)
✔️ Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
✔️ New synthetic drugs

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Saliva tests and behavioral observations: a dual approach for greater effectiveness

Until now, saliva drug tests were the main method used by law enforcement to detect the presence of narcotics in the body . However, these tests do not always identify certain substances, particularly those that quickly disappear from saliva after ingestion.

With the new drug screening procedures for the gendarmerie and police , an officer will now be able to initiate proceedings if the driver shows signs of driving under the influence of narcotics , even if the test is negative. The symptoms that may be noted are:

🔹 Abnormally dilated or contracted pupils
🔹 Speech or behavioral problems
🔹 Incoherent or disoriented gestures
🔹 Overreaction or lack of reaction to stimuli

These criteria allow law enforcement to act quickly and prevent drivers under the influence from escaping controls due to a lack of immediate positive screening.

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Towards a generalization of drug screening tests in companies ?

These new regulations on drugged driving also open the debate on extending controls to high-risk professional environments. In certain sectors such as construction, road transport, aviation and security , the use of saliva and urine tests to detect drug use is increasing sharply.

The objective is twofold:

✅ Prevent the risks of work accidents linked to drug use
✅ Guarantee a safe working environment for all

Some companies are already implementing supportive screening campaigns to raise awareness and support affected employees, rather than immediately sanctioning them.

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Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs

With these new measures, the penalties for testing positive for drugs while driving remain severe:

🚨 6 points removed from license
🚨 Fine of up to €4,500
🚨 Suspension or cancellation of driving license
🚨 Prison sentence of up to 2 years in case of repeat offense
🚨 Vehicle immobilization

These penalties are even more severe if drug use is combined with a positive blood alcohol level.

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Drug testing: a necessity for road and workplace safety

With these new regulations, France is strengthening its arsenal to combat drug-impaired driving and improve road safety . The expansion of screening criteria allows for better consideration of risky situations and limits escape routes for drivers under the influence.

For businesses and professionals, this development highlights the importance of proactive prevention , particularly through reliable, CE-certified saliva and urine screening tests .

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