Scotland introduces drug driving laws and roadside tests

New regulations have come into force in Scotland aimed at cracking down on drug-driving, along with the introduction of new police roadside testing kits. The new laws, which came into force on Monday 21st October 2019, will see drivers found with illegal drugs in their system punished with a criminal record, a minimum 12-month ban, up to 11 penalty points, a maximum fine of £5,000 and a potential six-month prison sentence. Similar regulations were first introduced in England and Wales in 2015, with the Scottish Government now also committing to a “zero tolerance” approach to drug-driving. And thanks to new drug detection kits unveiled earlier this month by Police Scotland, officers have more power and a greater degree of flexibility with regards to catching and punishing offenders. The DrugWipe kit uses a mouth swab to provide officers with a definitive positive or negative reading for cocaine and cannabis at the roadside, substances which when taken increase the likelihood of serious injury in a road accident by three and ten times respectively. Traces of 17 other drugs including ketamine, ecstasy, heroin and prescription drugs such as morphine and methadone will still need to be checked for using a blood test. In 2014, Scotland sought to tackle drink-driving by lowering the legal alcohol limit to 50mg per 100ml of blood compared to the 80mg limit enforced elsewhere in the UK. Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said on Monday that the new drug-driving laws, in combination with the country’s strict approach to alcohol, would give police “the most robust powers in the UK to tackle impaired and unsafe driving”. Motor law What is motoring law? Motoring law is one of the many areas covered by Grahame Stowe Bateson’s experienced and expert team. To book an appointment or find out more about our services, including our free, no-obligation advice clinics, get in touch today by calling 0113 2468 163 or by using our contact form.