New proposals in Jersey could soon introduce some of the toughest drug-driving laws the island has ever seen - including roadside drug testing, set cannabis limits in the bloodstream, and severe penalties for those who exceed them.
Although MAJ Law does not deal with cases in the Channel Islands, law is law, and developments like this often signal the direction of travel for enforcement across the UK. That makes it well worth understanding what’s changing.
Roadside Drug Testing Set to Be Introduced
Under the proposed reforms, Jersey police would gain new powers to:
- Carry out roadside saliva or sweat drug tests
- Arrest drivers who test positive
- Require follow-up blood tests at police headquarters
This would bring Jersey closer in line with how drug-driving is policed across England and Wales, where roadside testing is already widely used.
Currently, Jersey has no statutory blood-drug limits and no power for roadside screening, making these reforms a major shift in enforcement.
New Cannabis Limits - Higher Than the UK (But Still Risky)
One of the biggest changes would be the introduction of a legal cannabis threshold:
- 5 micrograms per litre of blood for most drivers (more than double the current UK limit of 2 micrograms)
The higher limit is intended to account for people prescribed medicinal cannabis. However (and this is crucial) the limit would apply whether cannabis is prescribed or not, and drivers would not be required to carry proof of a prescription.
Certain groups would face stricter rules:
- HGV drivers
- Public service vehicle drivers
- Driving instructors
These drivers would be limited to just 2 micrograms, matching current UK standards. Anyone over the legal alcohol limit would also be subject to the lower drug threshold.
Tough Penalties for Offenders
If convicted under the new laws, drivers could face:
- 12-month driving ban for a first offence
- Up to 12 months in prison
- Fines of up to £10,000
Repeat offenders within ten years could be disqualified for three years.
Why Jersey Is Taking This Step
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan has said the reforms are necessary to tackle a growing problem of motorists driving under the influence of drugs. Jersey’s Chief of Police Robin Smith has also expressed concern that drug-driving is harder to detect than alcohol, making enforcement powers essential.
If passed, the proposals would also allow new drug limits to be added in future.
Concerns Around Medicinal Cannabis
Not everyone supports the reforms. Campaigners have warned that unlike UK law, Jersey’s proposals do not currently include a clear medical defence for patients who take prescribed cannabis and inadvertently exceed the limit. This is something already recognised in legislation in England, Wales and Guernsey.
The worry is that law-abiding patients could still face prosecution despite following medical advice.
What Happens Next?
The proposals are due to be debated by the Jersey States Assembly from March 24.
If approved, Jersey would move into a far stricter era of drug-driving enforcement almost overnight.
Why This Matters for UK Drivers
While MAJ Law does not handle Jersey cases, changes like this reflect a wider trend:
- Increased roadside testing
- Lower tolerance for drugs in drivers’ systems
- Harsher penalties
- Growing scrutiny of medicinal cannabis use
Across the UK, we’re already seeing tougher enforcement and more prosecutions, often based on trace levels rather than clear impairment.
The message from lawmakers is clear: drug-driving is being treated as seriously as drink-driving, if not more so.
The MAJ Law Takeaway
Whether you’re prescribed medication, use medicinal cannabis, or believe you’re “fine to drive” the next day - drug-driving laws are becoming increasingly strict and technical.
Many drivers charged are not reckless, they simply don’t realise:
- How low legal limits are
- How long substances stay in the body
- That impairment doesn’t need to be proven
And that’s exactly why specialist legal advice matters.
