Can Police Drug Test You in the UK? What You Need to Know
In the UK, police officers do have the power to drug test you — but only under certain circumstances. Whether you're driving or simply stopped on the street, there are legal conditions that must be met for a drug test to take place. Here's what you need to know about when and how police can drug test you, the types of tests they use, and what happens if you test positive.
When Can Police Drug Test You?
There are two main situations where UK police can carry out a drug test:
1. If You’re Driving or in Charge of a Vehicle
Police can stop your vehicle and conduct a roadside drug test if they suspect you are driving under the influence of drugs. This includes illegal substances like cannabis or cocaine, but also prescription medications that impair your ability to drive.
They don't need hard proof — reasonable suspicion of impairment (e.g. erratic driving, red eyes, slurred speech, odd behaviour) is enough.
2. If You’re Arrested for a Trigger Offence
If you're arrested for a crime such as burglary, robbery, or certain public order offences, you may be required to take a drug test at the police station, even if you weren’t driving.
What Drug Tests Do Police Use?
There are two main types of drug tests used in the UK:
Roadside Saliva Test (Oral Swab) 🚗
This is the most common on-the-spot drug test used during traffic stops. It involves a saliva swab and gives results in minutes. It tests for:
- Cannabis (THC)
- Cocaine
These are the two most common drugs detected in roadside testing.
If you test positive, you may be arrested on suspicion of drug driving and taken to the police station for further testing.
Urine or Blood Test at the Police Station
If arrested, you can be asked to give a blood or urine sample. This is a more thorough test and can detect a wider range of drugs, including:
- Opiates (e.g. heroin)
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam)
- Amphetamines (e.g. speed)
- Methadone
- MDMA (ecstasy)
- Ketamine
- LSD
- Prescription drugs that impair driving
What Happens If You Test Positive?
If the lab confirms drugs in your system above the legal limit, you could be charged with drug driving, even if you weren’t acting impaired.
Legal Consequences:
- Minimum 1-year driving ban
- Unlimited fine
- Up to 6 months in prison
- Criminal record
Repeat offenders or those involved in accidents could face harsher penalties.
Trace Amounts and Prescription Medication
Many people worry about trace amounts of drugs showing up — especially cannabis, which can linger in the system for days or even weeks. The law sets very low thresholds, so even tiny amounts might trigger a positive.
However, if you're taking prescription medication, you're not automatically breaking the law. The key is whether:
- You’re taking it as directed.
- It doesn’t impair your ability to drive.
If both are true, you're likely protected — but it’s best to carry proof (e.g. prescription label) and speak to your doctor if you’re unsure.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Police cannot randomly drug test you on the street without legal grounds.
- If you refuse to take a test when required, it’s treated the same as failing it.
- Roadside drug testing is becoming more common, especially during traffic stops or after accidents.
- Breathalysing after an incident involving a collision is standard procedure, so drug testing may follow suit in the future.
Final Thoughts
Police drug testing in the UK is targeted, not random. If you’re driving and appear impaired — or you’ve been arrested for a serious offence — you could be tested on the spot or at the station. DrugWipe saliva tests are most common at the roadside, and they focus mainly on cannabis and cocaine, though lab tests go further.
Even small traces of drugs can lead to charges if they exceed legal limits. If you’re using prescription medication, stay informed and drive responsibly. When in doubt — ask your doctor and know your rights.