New Alabama Law Increases Use of Saliva Tests to Catch Drug-Impaired Drivers

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June 1st, 2021

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed into law a bill that law enforcement authorities say will help keep drug-impaired drivers off the road.

The new law gives oral fluid (saliva) tests for drugs the same “implied consent” legal standing as the breath and blood tests used to detect alcohol after an arrest. Drivers arrested for DUI will be required to submit to the saliva test or lose their driving privileges for three months.

Authorities say the oral fluid tests, which have been done in Alabama for about three years, are an important tool because the samples can be taken on the roadside after an arrest. Ideally, the oral fluid test results are used in conjunction with blood tests, which are often taken several hours after the arrest.

Read the full article here.