New drug-driving laws in Scotland

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.