you are pulled over by police and asked to provide a saliva sample. can you be charged if you refuse?

Yes, you can be charged if you refuse to provide a saliva sample when lawfully requested by police during a roadside check. Refusing a saliva test is illegal and can result in significant legal consequences such as fines, loss of driving license, and even imprisonment in some cases. This applies in many jurisdictions, including Victoria, Australia, where refusal is an offense under the Road Safety Act 1986 and can lead to penalties including fines and license suspension or disqualification. While there may be limited legal defenses such as having a substantial medical reason or if the request is not properly made, general refusal without a valid reason will likely lead to charges.