Maharashtra RTO Plans Roadside Drug Tests For Drivers; ₹25.81-Crore System Proposed
Mumbai, October 5, 2026: Drivers in Maharashtra could soon face a test for drugs on the roadside, apart from the existing breathalyser checks for drunk driving. The Transport Department is preparing to place a proposal before the high-powered committee for a roadside drug testing system, under which swab-based kits would be used to conduct a preliminary test within minutes. The move comes amid…
Mumbai, October 5, 2026: The Maharashtra Transport Department is proposing a new roadside drug testing system for drivers, aiming to detect narcotic or psychotropic substance use alongside existing breathalyser checks for drunk driving. Swab-based kits will collect a saliva sample from suspected drivers and provide a preliminary drug screening result within minutes.
If a driver tests positive, they would undergo a medical examination and legal procedures. The system addresses the lack of a dedicated method to identify drugged driving, as Maharashtra currently does not have a comprehensive state-level database on the issue. Officials note that without this data, it is challenging to assess the prevalence of the problem and allocate resources effectively. The proposed technology has been modeled on similar kits used by the Narcotics Control Bureau.
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