05.12.2014
The new limit has been reduced to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, whereas the current limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg per 100ml.
The changes to the law mean that those driving across the border into Scotland after consuming alcohol may find themselves to be over the legal limit, and subject to random checks from police just past the border.
Plans to change the limit have been well-received by officials. Highlighting the success that a similar policy amendment had in Ireland, Holyrood's Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "Scotland is leading the way across the UK. The new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.
"This change will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe. It's not about criminalising drivers, it's about making our roads safer and sending a clear message that even one alcoholic drink will affect the ability to drive.
"Today we are sending a clear message to drivers who continue to ignore the warnings that there is never an excuse to drink and drive."
Reduction Means Drivers Crossing Border Could Be Over Limit
A new drink-drive limit has been introduced in Scotland, making the legal limit less than that of the rest of the UK.The new limit has been reduced to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, whereas the current limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg per 100ml.
The changes to the law mean that those driving across the border into Scotland after consuming alcohol may find themselves to be over the legal limit, and subject to random checks from police just past the border.
Plans to change the limit have been well-received by officials. Highlighting the success that a similar policy amendment had in Ireland, Holyrood's Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "Scotland is leading the way across the UK. The new limit has backing from experts, road safety campaigners and the majority of the public north and south of the border.
"This change will bring Scotland into line with most of Europe. It's not about criminalising drivers, it's about making our roads safer and sending a clear message that even one alcoholic drink will affect the ability to drive.
"Today we are sending a clear message to drivers who continue to ignore the warnings that there is never an excuse to drink and drive."
Expert Opinion
Even a small amount of alcohol can seriously impact a driver’s ability when behind the wheel and we have seen through our work the devastating impact accidents caused by consuming alcohol can have on those involved. Not only do drivers put their lives at risk, they put passengers and other road users in danger. <br/> <br/>“We welcome the new drink-drive limit in Scotland and hope the reduced legal limit will help to cut down the number of deaths caused by drink-driving in the nation.”
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