Saliva drug testing: everything you need to know in France

In France, saliva tests have become the standard tool for quickly detecting drug use while driving, in the workplace, or during targeted checks. Law enforcement agencies systematically test for five main drugs in saliva: THC (cannabis), cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines/MDMA, and opiates. This page explains how these tests work, the drugs they detect, and the role of professional saliva tests such as those in the Drugdiag® Saliva range.

The objective is twofold: to understand what the saliva tests used by the police and the gendarmerie are really looking for, and to know how professionals can rely on compliant solutions to strengthen prevention and security.

Summary

Drug testing using saliva is regulated by the Highway Code and by the decree of December 13, 2016, which sets out the procedures for detecting substances indicative of drug use from saliva or urine samples. The tests used must meet strict requirements regarding sensitivity, specificity, and reliability.

In the field, law enforcement uses rapid saliva tests capable of detecting several drug classes in minutes. If a test is positive, a second sample (saliva or blood) is sent to a laboratory for confirmation. The offense is established as soon as a narcotic substance is detected, regardless of the concentration, and the penalties can be severe (points deductions, license suspension, fines, or even imprisonment in cases of repeat offenses or accidents).

The same technical principles apply to saliva tests used in business or in the context of occupational risk prevention: the devices must comply with European standards (CE marking) and be manufactured according to a quality approach (ISO 13485 for medical devices).

2. The 5 drugs detected by saliva tests

The saliva tests used by the police, the gendarmerie, and many professionals target five main categories of drugs, corresponding to the most frequently encountered drug use in France. The principle is to detect the presence of the active substance or certain metabolites in saliva, within a relatively short period after consumption.

2.1 THC (cannabis)

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. It is the drug most frequently detected in roadside saliva tests. THC impairs alertness, reaction time, and depth perception, and significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially when combined with alcohol.

Saliva tests detect the presence of THC or its derivatives in the mouth within a relatively short timeframe after consumption (a few hours to longer, depending on the dose and frequency of use). It's important to remember that a CBD product containing traces of THC can also produce a positive saliva test, provided the substance is detectable.

2.2 Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. It leads to feelings of overconfidence, an overestimation of one's abilities, marked impulsivity, and a decrease in actual reaction time. These effects are particularly dangerous when driving or in a hazardous work environment.

Saliva tests are designed to detect recent cocaine use and some of its metabolites. As with cannabis, the detection window depends on the amount consumed, the frequency of use, and the individual's metabolism. A positive result indicates recent use, which is incompatible with driving or certain sensitive occupational activities.

2.3 Amphetamines

The term “amphetamines” encompasses several stimulant substances, sometimes used in party settings or to combat fatigue. They provide a feeling of increased energy and performance, but at the cost of elevated blood pressure, nervousness, impaired risk assessment, and potentially disrupted behavior.

Multi-drug saliva tests include one or more reagents specifically for amphetamines. They can detect recent drug use and help prevent risky behavior while driving, on construction sites, in industrial settings, in transportation, or in any environment where safety is critical.

2.4 Methamphetamines and MDMA (ecstasy)

Methamphetamines and MDMA (often combined with ecstasy) belong to the large family of amphetamines, but their effects and uses are partly specific. They are frequently found in party settings (parties, festivals, clubs) and can cause excitement, euphoria, and overstimulation, but also confusion, aggression, impaired judgment, and cardiovascular risks.

Modern saliva tests can target these substances and detect recent use, which is essential for both road safety and workplace prevention. A person who has used MDMA or methamphetamines should not drive, nor hold a security or vigilance position.

2.5 Opiates

Opiates include morphine, heroin, and certain opium-derived medications. They cause sedation, decreased alertness, slowed reflexes, and can lead to significant drowsiness. When driving or working in hazardous environments, these effects are completely incompatible with safety.

Saliva tests detect the presence of these substances, whether they result from illicit use or medication misuse. If you are on prescribed medication, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor and, if necessary, with your occupational health physician, in order to assess the risks while driving or working.

3. Professional saliva tests: which tools to use?

Professionals, businesses and communities can use saliva tests similar to those used by law enforcement, provided they rely on reliable, compliant devices manufactured under demanding quality standards.

The Drugdiag® Saliva range, distributed by AMA Prévention and manufactured by the Toda Pharma laboratory (number 1 in rapid diagnostic testing, ISO 13485 certified and CE marked), offers several solutions adapted to field needs:

These tests are designed for safe use, with clear instructions, controlled reading times, and detection thresholds aligned with current regulatory requirements. They are a valuable tool for prevention services, occupational health professionals, QHSE managers, transport companies, and all stakeholders concerned with reducing the risks associated with drug use.

4. Saliva screening in the workplace and risk prevention

In the professional world, saliva testing is part of a comprehensive approach to risk prevention: securing sensitive positions, protecting employees, preventing serious accidents, and respecting the employer's obligations regarding health and safety at work.

Saliva tests can be used in various contexts:

  • Driving positions (road transport, construction equipment, logistics, company vehicles).
  • High-risk positions (construction, industry, classified sites, heavy handling).
  • Targeted checks following an incident, risky behavior or workplace accident.
  • One-off or regular prevention campaigns, within the framework of a structured internal policy.

To be legitimate and accepted, the use of saliva tests must be based on:

  • Internal regulations or a clear service note, compliant with labor law and validated by the competent authorities.
  • Transparent information for employees and staff representatives.
  • Coordination with occupational medicine and, if necessary, with a specialized legal service.

5. Reliability, limitations and best practices for use

Modern saliva tests offer high reliability when used according to the manufacturer's instructions (contact time with saliva, reading time, temperature, expiration date, etc.). However, they remain qualitative screening tools that must be interpreted carefully.

Some key points to keep in mind:

  • A positive test indicates recent consumption, but does not by itself allow us to estimate a “dose” or a “level of addiction”.
  • Individual variations (metabolism, frequency of use, medical conditions) can influence the duration of positivity.
  • A negative test does not necessarily mean the absence of any past consumption, but the absence of any detectable substance at the time of the test.
  • In cases of significant legal or disciplinary issues, it is recommended to arrange for confirmation by laboratory analysis.

Training the teams that carry out the tests is essential: knowing how to prepare the equipment, accompany the person being tested, correctly read the cassette, manage a positive or disputed result and refer to the right contacts (occupational physician, HR department, lawyer, etc.) is an integral part of a responsible prevention approach.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Saliva Tests

Are the saliva screening tests the same as those used by the police and the gendarmerie?

The professional saliva tests offered by AMA Prévention are based on the same technical principles as those used by law enforcement: detection of the same primary drugs, immunochromatography, visual reading in minutes, and detection thresholds aligned with regulatory requirements. However, they are intended for prevention and security purposes, and not to replace official legal procedures.

Can you test positive on a saliva test because of CBD?

A CBD product may contain traces of THC. If these traces exceed the detection threshold of a saliva test, the result can be positive, even if the product is sold legally. This is an important point to explain to both drivers and employees: once THC is detected, the consequences can be the same as after consuming regular cannabis.

How long does a drug remain detectable in saliva?

The duration of a positive result depends on many factors: type of substance, dose, frequency of use, individual metabolism, health status, and sample quality. Tables of positive result durations available online provide general guidelines but can never replace a contextualized medical and legal interpretation.

Are saliva tests suitable for workplace prevention campaigns?

Yes, provided they are integrated into a comprehensive approach: a clear prevention policy, employee information, support in case of difficulties, and compliance with the legal framework and recommendations of health authorities. Used consistently and transparently, saliva tests are an effective tool for reducing the risk of accidents and strengthening a safety culture.