Drug drivers could have their cars seized and sold under a push for tougher penalties

An ex-cop says drug driving is “out of control” in Victoria, but now a drastic plan aims to stop offenders “running amok”.

The state opposition is calling for tougher penalties for drug drivers amid revelations some infringements don’t even cover the cost of testing.

It comes as a retired roads cop declared drug driving is “out of control” in Victoria and more drastic measures are needed to curb the problem.

Former leading senior constable Mark Vipond has urged the state government to introduce new powers enabling drug drivers’ cars to be seized and sold to put money back into roadside drug operations.

Drug drivers should cop tougher penalties, the state opposition says.

“Politicians need to get on board and make a decision… do that they want to cure this problem or do they just want to let it run amok as it is now? If you take their cars away they can’t drive,” he said.

Mr Vipond also criticised the state’s infringement system, saying roadside drug tests cost taxpayers far more than the fines issued to offending drivers.

An individual drug test costs $40, with positive results sent for oral fluid testing at a cost of between $600 - $1200 depending on whether the driver took synthetic drugs.

Despite this, fines for drug driving in Victoria start at just $496.

“They are not recouping any money or cost,” Mr Vipond said.

“My idea would be for the state government to be used car sellers and confiscate the cars and make some money back.”

The fines for drug driving in Victoria start at just $496.

Shadow Minister for Police Brad Battin said Victorians doing the right thing on the road shouldn’t be left paying the price for those that aren’t.

“When the fine for drug driving doesn’t even cover the cost of the test, it’s clear something is very wrong,” he said.

“Penaties for drug drivers must be overhauled to ensure road safety operations aren’t held back by the cost of enforcement.”

More than a quarter of the state’s fatal crashes involve drivers or motorcyclists under the influence of drugs.

During the Melbourne Cup long weekend, five per cent of drivers - or 214 of 4350 - tested positive for drugs.

Road Policing Command Superintendent John Fitzpatrick said police perform 150,000 drug tests a year.

“Recidivist drug drivers face severe penalties and their cars can be forfeited for sale, crushed or donated to emergency services for rescue training under existing laws,” he said.

First-time drug drivers are being issued on-the-spot license suspensions in a police trial underway at 20 sites across Victoria.

Supt Fitzpatrick said the program removes dangerous drivers from the road at the earliest opportunity and could be rolled out wider in the future.

A state government spokeswoman said police are given the resources neccesary to target and stop drug drivers.

“We’ve taken steps to crack down on dangerous drug drivers and remove them from our roads through an immediate roadside licence suspension trial and record fines for all first-time offenders,” she said.