Michigan Governor Rick Snyder recently signed a law that will allow state police to conduct roadside drug tests in five counties.
The bill was approved after statistics revealed that drug-related crashes are at a high in the state. It allows officers to take an additional step in the field sobriety process in order to arrest drugged drivers. The law will implement a one-year pilot program in which trained officers can conduct roadside saliva-based drug testing to detect marijuana, heroin, or cocaine usage.
According to CBS Detroit, troopers will not be pulling over people without probable cause. The test can be given at traffic stops if the driver is suspected to be under the influence.
Sponsor of the bill, Senator Tom Casperson stated, “This is common sense legislation that empowers our law enforcement officials to conduct roadside tests for drugs so we can help make Michigan’s roads safer.”
Casperson noted that if the trial is a success, the law may be implemented state-wide. The program will begin this year and the five counties to be involved have not yet been announced.
