Scotland is to lower the drink driving limit in a move that will see the limit vary from the rest of the UK. The move will bring Scotland’s limit to similar standards to that seen in Europe.
The UK has the second highest drink driving limit in Europe, second only to Malta. Under new rules in Scotland the limit for a breathalyzer test has been lowered from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms per 100 ml. In regards to blood samples, the limit has been reduced to 50 milligrams per 100 ml from 80 milligrams.
None for the Road
The legislation has been put through the Scottish Government passing in early November. Despite predictions of what exactly could put you over the limit, experts have warned that one beer may be enough to put an average male above the limit, with half a beer or a small glass of wine putting the average female over the limit. Although this is based on an average it is impossible to tell what may put someone over the limit with height, weight and other factors affecting how your body handles alcohol.
Although it is impossible to tell if a driver will be over the limit or just under, police and experts are encouraging drivers to not drink at all before setting off in a vehicle.
No Safe Limit
Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland said: "If you have had a drink, no matter how much you feel you're OK, you have changed your ability from when you were in your fully sober stage.
"If you're going to drink tonight, don't drive in the morning.
"The main message is there is no safe limit."
No change in punishment
The legislation is only a change in the alcohol limit with the criminal punishments that existed previously still in force. If found guilty of drink driving, a mandatory ban is still imposed with an additional fine usually added. The court can also impose a period of imprisonment and this is a possibility for those people who have previously committed similar drink driving or road traffic offences. Forfeiture and destruction of the motor vehicle is also a possible punishment if it is a recurring offence.
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