Scotland announces ‘zero tolerance’ approach to drug-driving

21 January 2019

The Scottish government is to further strengthen its stringent road safety laws by introducing drug-driving limits and roadside testing in October of this year.

From October Scotland will adopt a 'zero tolerance' approach to the eight drugs most associated with illegal use, with limits set at a level where any claims of accidental exposure can be eliminated. A list of other drugs associated with medical use will have limits based on impairment and road safety risk.

The Scottish Government says the new regulations, which are subject to MSPs’ approval, will make it easier to hold drug drivers to account as there will no longer be a requirement to prove that someone was driving in an impaired manner.

Humza Yousaf, justice secretary, said, “The introduction of drug driving limits will strengthen the power of Scotland’s police and prosecutors to tackle the minority of drivers who irresponsibly put themselves and other road-users at risk.

“Drug driving is completely unacceptable, and we will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to prevent the avoidable deaths and damage caused by those who drive under the influence of drugs.

“Together with our stringent drink-driving limits, these new laws will ensure that Scotland has the UK’s most robust laws against impaired and unsafe driving.”