Motorists who are found with heroin, cocaine or cannabis in their blood will face tough penalties from next year.
A new road traffic bill being discussed by the cabinet today will make it an offence to drive with these drugs in their system.
At the moment, motorists who use drugs can be prosecuted only if their driving is impaired.
This new legislation would allow gardai to test driver's saliva on the side of the road, followed by a blood test.
The new offence would carry a fine of 5-thousand euro or six months in prison.
Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe says drug drivers are a hazard to themselves and others:
