Total Alcohol Ban For New & Professional Drivers if Scotland Becomes Independent

If Scotland becomes independent then new and professional drivers could face tougher drink-drive rules than other motorists on the roads.

New drink-drive laws that are set to be introduced later this year will see the current limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood slashed to 50mg, the equivalent of one pint of normal-strength beer or a small glass of wine. Combined with this if there is a Yes vote, Scotland may follow the example of other European countries and reduce the limit more for young and newly qualified motorists or taxi and HGV drivers. They may follow the example of Ireland who 3 years ago introduced a limit of 20mg per 100ml of blood for learner drivers and cab drivers. Such a low limit means that even one drink would put them over the limit. RAC’s Simon Williams said: “We question whether a more stringent limit for professional drivers is needed because the law should either deem it safe to drive with up to 50mg of alcohol in the blood or not, regardless of whether you are a professional or private driver, or experienced or inexperienced.” Many other agencies such as The Road Haulage Association said: “More stringent drink-driving regulations is something we support.”

Last night, the Scottish Government said: “Independence will allow all decisions on drink-driving policy to be taken in Scotland. This could include setting a lower blood/alcohol limit for young or newly qualified drivers or for those driving in a professional capacity – for example, taxi and HGV drivers.”

Approximately one in eight deaths on Scotland's roads involves drink driving. Even though currently one drink would not put you over the limit it would make you three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.