Queenslanders will now be tested for cocaine as a part of the state’s roadside drug detection effort.
The new test used by police officers will detect cocaine alongside MDMA (ecstasy), THC (cannabis) and methamphetamines.
The change comes after an increase in the number of drivers involved with serious crashes testing positive for cocaine in the past five years.
Police conduct about 50,000 random tests every year, with one in four motorists returning a positive result for some type of illicit drug.
Last year, 61 people died from crashes involving a drug-driver or rider, about 20 per cent of the lives lost on Queensland roads.
The number of drug-related car deaths has increased by about 30 per cent over the past five years.
Drivers who test positive for cocaine, cannabis, speed, ice, or ecstasy will have their licence disqualified, face fines of up to $2167, and repeater offenders could receive jail time.
The number of motorists caught with drugs in their system was “unacceptable”, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
“If you‘re behind the wheel with drugs in your system, you’re not only a danger to yourself but to every other Queenslander and we make no apologies for coming down hard,” he said.
Queensland, which began random drug screening 15 years ago, follows NSW in adding cocaine to roadside drug tests.
NSW introduced the drug to its testing campaign in 2018, while other states only test for MDMA, THC, and methamphetamines.