PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How do drug tests work for drivers?
A classmate of mine is in a lot of trouble for getting a DUI for drugged driving. Apparently, the police used some kind of test when they stopped him. How do drug tests work for drivers who are pulled over?
Pat Roache · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sounds like your classmate is having a rough time, but it’s good that he wasn’t seriously hurt. And, yes, you probably heard right about that drug test. Law enforcement can use a five-minute saliva test to screen for drug use if a driver is suspected of
driving under the influence of drugs
.Here’s how testing for drugged driving works:
- The police administer a rapid oral test in which the driver swabs their tongue with a small test stick to collect saliva.
- The test takes about five minutes to screen for drug use within the last 12 hours.
- If a test gives a positive result, the driver must take another oral test that will be sent to a lab for results.
The oral test checks for residue from cannabis, methamphetamine, and MDMA (or ecstasy). If you’re suspected of abusing other types of drugs before driving, you may be taken in to provide a urine or blood sample for testing.
A drugged driving charge could have major consequences for your license, driving record, and insurance. Never drive after drinking or using drugs.
Make sure you have an
affordable insurance plan
that works for you with Jerry
, the car insurance super app. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry can use your current insurance plan to find competitive quotes from 50 top insurance providers nationwide. The average user saves $887 a year on car insurance.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies