Roadside Intercept and Traffic Enforcement Procedure

Purpose. This procedure sets the safe method for intercepting vehicles, conducting breath and drug tests, inspecting heavy vehicles and managing traffic at collision scenes.

1.Site selection

Members must select intercept sites with adequate sight distance, a safe shoulder or off-road area and space for the intercepted vehicle to stop clear of traffic. Sites on freeways must have advance warning signs and a protection vehicle with lights activated. Members must not stand in a live lane.

2.Intercepting a vehicle

Members will signal the driver clearly using lights, siren or hand signals and will direct the vehicle to a safe stopping point. The member must record the registration and location by radio before approaching. The approach must be from the passenger side on high speed roads unless conditions require otherwise, and the member must maintain observation of the occupants throughout.

3.Breath and drug testing

Preliminary breath tests must be conducted with a calibrated device recorded in the Fleet and Equipment Register. A positive preliminary test requires the driver to accompany the member for an evidentiary test, and the times of each step must be recorded. Oral fluid drug tests must follow the device instructions and the sample must be handled under the Exhibit Handling and Continuity Procedure.

• Check device calibration date before the shift
• Record every test, including negative tests
• Explain the process to the driver in plain language
• Arrange a safe way home for a driver who is prohibited from driving

4.Heavy vehicle inspections

Heavy vehicle intercepts must be conducted at a designated inspection site or a location with adequate room for the combination. Members will check driver licence, work diary, load restraint, mass and vehicle condition. Defects that make the vehicle unsafe must result in a defect notice and the vehicle must not be released until the defect is rectified or the vehicle is towed.

5.Collision scenes

At a collision scene members must protect the scene with vehicles and cones, manage traffic to protect people working at the scene, and preserve physical evidence including tyre marks, debris and vehicle positions. Serious injury and fatal collisions must be reported to the crash investigation team before any vehicle is moved. The Incident Scene Management Procedure applies.

6.Records

Every intercept must be recorded in the Incident Log with the time, location, registration, driver details, tests conducted and outcome. Infringements and charges must be entered in the traffic system before the end of shift. Equipment defects found during the shift must be recorded in the Fleet and Equipment Register.