New law to take "zero tolerance" approach to drug driving
It will come into force in Scotland in October and will remove the need to prove someone's ability to drive has been impaired
Scotland's laws surrounding driving on drugs are being toughened up with specific limits on eight illegal substances including cannabis and cocaine.
It'll remove the need to prove someone's ability to drive has been impaired and will also include roadside testing, when it comes in to force in October.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: The introduction of drug driving limits will strengthen the power of Scotland’s police and prosecutors to tackle the minority of drivers who irresponsibly put themselves and other road-users at risk.
“Drug driving is completely unacceptable, and we will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to prevent the avoidable deaths and damage caused by those who drive under the influence of drugs.
“Together with our stringent drink-driving limits, these new laws will ensure that Scotland has the UK’s most robust laws against impaired and unsafe driving.”
England and Wales introduce a similar legislation in 2015 and Joshua Harris from road safety charity Brake welcomes the new rules.
"Drug driving is an increasing menace on our roads and it puts innocent people at risk every day, so a zero tolerance approach is a great step forward," he said.
"However we are concerned that there needs to be effective enforcement alongside this to make sure it is effective for keeping people safe."
A list of other drugs associated with medical use will have limits based on impairment and risk to road safety.
Police Scotland chief inspector Stephen Innes said: "We are committed to reducing road casualties, and tackling drink and drug driving is a key focus of our activity.
"The devastating impact of drug driving on victims, communities and users themselves cannot be understated.
“This new legislation will significantly enhance our ability to detect and deter motorists engaging in this extremely risky driving behaviour.
“We are currently working closely with key partners and plans are well advanced to deliver this new legislation in October this year.”