San Diego, December 30, 2025
The San Diego Police Department has rolled out the SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Test System, allowing officers to conduct on-site drug tests during traffic stops. Aimed at improving road safety, the initiative enables rapid identification of impaired drivers using saliva samples to screen for various drugs including cannabis, opioids, and methamphetamine. While participation is voluntary, the program emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s rights during DUI investigations.
San Diego Police Implement On-Site Drug Testing for Drivers
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has introduced the SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Test System, a device that enables officers to conduct on-site drug tests during traffic stops. This initiative aims to enhance road safety by promptly identifying and removing impaired drivers from the roads.
Details of the SoToxa Device
The SoToxa device is a portable unit that uses a saliva sample to screen for multiple drugs, including cannabis, opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. It delivers a simple positive or negative result for each substance tested, enabling officers to make informed decisions during traffic stops. The SDPD acquired five of these units with funding from a state grant supported by taxes on legal cannabis sales. The devices are currently being deployed to officers certified as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), who have received specialized training to identify impaired drivers.
Operational Procedures
During a traffic stop, officers trained as DREs may request a saliva sample from drivers suspected of impairment. The use of the SoToxa device is voluntary, and drivers can decline without facing immediate penalties. However, if a driver tests positive for drugs, officers may seek a blood sample to confirm the presence of the substance. Blood testing is subject to stricter legal requirements than breath testing, and refusal to provide a blood sample can result in legal consequences. The SDPD’s procedures for chemical tests, including blood draws, are outlined in their official guidelines.
Background on Drug Recognition Experts
Drug Recognition Experts are law enforcement officers trained to identify individuals whose driving is impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. They follow a standardized 12-step procedure called a Drug Influence Evaluation to determine the category of drugs causing impairment. DREs play a crucial role in ensuring impaired drivers are accurately identified and removed from the roads, thereby enhancing public safety.
Implications for Drivers
Drivers in San Diego should be aware that the SoToxa device may be used during traffic stops to test for drug impairment. While participation in the saliva test is voluntary, declining may lead officers to seek alternative evidence of impairment, such as a blood sample. It’s important for drivers to understand their rights and the potential consequences of refusing chemical tests during a DUI investigation.
Conclusion
The SDPD’s adoption of the SoToxa device represents a significant advancement in roadside drug testing, aiming to improve the detection of impaired drivers and enhance road safety. Drivers are encouraged to be informed about this new procedure and to make responsible decisions to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the SoToxa device?
The SoToxa device is a portable unit that uses a saliva sample to screen for multiple drugs, including cannabis, opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. It delivers a simple positive or negative result for each substance tested, enabling officers to make informed decisions during traffic stops.
Is participation in the saliva test mandatory?
No, participation in the saliva test is voluntary. Drivers can decline without facing immediate penalties. However, if a driver tests positive for drugs, officers may seek a blood sample to confirm the presence of the substance, which is subject to stricter legal requirements.
What happens if I refuse the chemical test?
Refusal to provide a blood sample can result in legal consequences. It’s important for drivers to understand their rights and the potential implications of refusing chemical tests during a DUI investigation.
Who are Drug Recognition Experts (DREs)?
Drug Recognition Experts are law enforcement officers trained to identify individuals whose driving is impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. They follow a standardized 12-step procedure called a Drug Influence Evaluation to determine the category of drugs causing impairment.
How does the SoToxa device improve road safety?
The SoToxa device allows officers to test for drugs like cannabis and opioids immediately at the scene, providing results within minutes. This enables quicker action against potentially dangerous drivers, enhancing road safety by efficiently identifying and removing impaired drivers.
Key Features of the SoToxa Device
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug Detection | Identifies substances such as cannabis, opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine. |
| Testing Method | Utilizes a saliva sample to provide results within minutes. |
| Voluntary Participation | Drivers can decline the test without facing immediate penalties. |
| Officer Training | Operated by officers certified as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). |
| Legal Implications | Refusal to provide a blood sample after a positive saliva test can result in legal consequences. |
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San Diego Police Introduce On-Site Drug Testing for Drivers
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