In November of 2017, Michigan State Police began a one-year pilot program conducting roadside drug screening in five counties. As of October 1, 2019, the second phase was initiated due to lack of data from the first year's results.

...the overall sample size was too small to draw any definitive conclusions on the tool’s usefulness for law enforcement.

Because of this, it was recommended another year be done but this time including all counties to get more feedback. The testing is done via an oral swab. If someone is pulled over, a cop has the right to ask a driver to do an oral fluid analysis if they suspect they are under the influence of drugs. The test can detect for the following drugs:

  • Amphetamines
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Cannabis
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamines and
  • Opiates

So if you find yourself in this situation, does this mean you have to comply? Technically no. But you will be given a civil infraction for refusal.

The officers from around the state who will be conducting these tests are considered "Drug Recognition Experts" aka DREs. This means they are highly trained in detecting those who appear to be on drugs.

You can find the following departments from around the state who are involved here. Several in West Michigan are participating including GRPD, Grand Valley PD, Kent County Sheriff's Office, Grand Haven Dpt. of Public Safety, and Muskegon PD.

Last year, 92 oral roadside tests were given. In 2018, there were 247 fatalities on the road related to drugs.

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