New roadside drug tests are expected to be introduced early next year.

Authorities have signed off on new testing kits, which will allow gardaí to pick up on drugs like cocaine and cannabis.

It is expected that the testing will go live from early next year on a phased basis.

It is a swab-based kit that will be rubbed on the inside of the persons cheek, and will tell them if someone has taken substances.

Drugs Minister Aodhan O'Riordan says gardaí and others are moving away from the more tradition methods of testing.

"I think being under the influence of any kind of substance is going to inhibit your capacity to drive properly" he said.

"We are moving away from a model of urine-based testing when it comes to drug testing across the board to more humane type of testing from swabs".

"That's the moves we're making all the time" he added.