LRD guides and handbook July 2019

Health and safety law 2019

Chapter 5

New drug-driving laws in Scotland

[ch 5: page 93]

Scotland’s road safety laws will be strengthened by the introduction of drug-driving limits and roadside testing on 21 October 2019. The Scottish government says there will be a zero-tolerance approach to eight drugs most associated with illegal use, with limits set at a level where any claims of accidental exposure can be ruled out. A list of other drugs associated with medical use will have limits based on impairment and risk to road safety. These are benzoylecgonine; cocaine; delta–9–tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis and cannabinol); ketamine; lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD); methylamphetamine; methylenedioxymethaphetamine (MDMA – ecstasy); and 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM – heroin and diamorphine). The drugs with medical uses which will have limits based on impairment are clonazepam; diazepam; flunitrazepam; lorazepam; methadone; morphine; oxazepam; and temazepam. A separate approach will be taken to amphetamine, balancing its legitimate use for medical purposes against its abuse.

Scottish government, New drug driving laws and roadside testing to improve road safety (https://www.gov.scot/news/new-drug-driving-laws-and-roadside-testing-to-improve-road-safety