Alcohol and drugs affect driving ability. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, whether prescribed or illegal, is an offence.
Drink Driving
In 2005, an estimated 1 in 9 people killed in road accidents in Scotland was the result of drink driving.
The drink drive limit in Great Britain currently stands at 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Any change to this limit is a matter for the UK Parliament.
Even in small amounts alcohol can affect driving performance. The effects on each individual are influenced by a range of factors. Therefore, it is better not to drink at all if you are going to be driving.
Drug Driving
The Scottish Government is concerned about drug driving. Research suggests that around 52 adults, killed in road accidents in 2006, had used illegal drugs. Certain drugs sold over the counter and prescription drugs can also affect driving performance.
Unlike alcohol, there is no 'drug drive limit'. The presence of drugs alone is not evidence of impaired driving ability. Some drugs, such as cannabis, remain in the body long after their effects on performance have ceased.
Police forces in Scotland use special techniques to help them recognise the outward signs of drug consumption and to assess whether a motorist is unfit to drive through taking drugs.