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18+ topic. How do Danish police test drivers for drugs?

Three roadside checks, then a blood test.

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Short answer

18+ topic. Danish police can test drivers for drugs in three ways at the roadside. A saliva test (narkometer) takes about 15–20 minutes and can show traces of heroin, morphine, amphetamine, cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine. Officers also check your eyes, for example pupils that are too large or too small or react slowly to light, and can screen your breath for laughing gas. If a test shows signs of drugs, you are charged with drug driving and must give a blood sample, and the blood result is the evidence in court.

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Why

  1. Saliva test in about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Eye checks for signs of drugs.
  3. The blood test is the evidence.

Details

The police can bring a person in for blood and urine samples when there is reason to suspect drink or drug driving.

Tip

If you take prescribed medicine, carry proof of the prescription and dose and mention it if you are stopped.

What may differ

Test equipment and the substances it can find may change over time.

Common misconception

A negative saliva test means you cannot be charged.

What actually happens

Police also judge signs such as your eyes and behaviour, and a blood test decides the case.

People also ask

  • Is there zero tolerance for drug driving in Denmark?
  • Can prescription medicine give a positive police drug test?
  • What happens if you have to blow into a breathalyser in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules, fines and fees can change, so check the Danish authorities before you drive.

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