Parliament Workbench
Data: Motions & questions to 19 Nov 2026

Written Question · S1W-02431 · Session 1

What plans it has to introduce drug testing for drivers who are tested for alcohol.

Answered Asked by Kenneth Gibson SNP Lodged 9 Nov 1999

The question

To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has to introduce drug testing for drivers who are tested for alcohol.

The answer

Answered by Sarah Boyack on 10 Dec 1999 · 31 days after it was lodged, 17 days after it was due

Legislation on drugs and driving is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act. Driving a motor vehicle while unfit through drugs is an offence. The police may take a person whose driving appears to be impaired to a police station for examination by a police surgeon.The police however have no powers to test drivers for drugs at the roadside comparable to their powers to test for alcohol. Primary legislation would be required to introduce such a power and it would be for the Westminster Parliament to introduce such legislation. The Scottish Executive has recently commissioned research to investigate the prevalence of recreational drug use and driving in Scotland.

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-02431 by reference.