Scotland will have drug driving limits and roadside testing from October 21. The Holyrood Government says there will be a zero tolerance approach to eight drugs most associated with illegal use, including cannabis, heroin and cocaine. Limits, Holyrood says, will be set at a level where any claims of accidental exposure can be ruled out. Other drugs associated with medical use will have limits based on impairment and risk to road safety.
This will mean no longer a requirement to prove that someone was driving in an impaired manner. Regulations laid in the Scottish Parliament, subject to members’ approval, will permit prosecutions where drug types are found to be above specified levels.
The Scottish Nationalists’ Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf 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.”
And Police Scotland Chief Inspector Stephen Innes said: “Police Scotland is committed to reducing road casualties, and tackling drink and drug driving is a key focus of our activity. The devastating impact of drug driving on victims, communities and users themselves cannot be understated.
“This new legislation will significantly enhance our ability to detect and deter motorists engaging in this extremely risky driving behaviour. We are currently working closely with key partners and plans are well advanced to deliver this new legislation in October this year.”
The UK Government introduced provision in the Crime and Courts Act 2013 which made it an offence to drive under the influence of different drug types when over a specified limit. More background at https://news.gov.scot/news/new-drug-driving-laws-and-roadside-testing-to-improve-road-safety.
