Over the limit? You’re a criminal for next 20 years

Last year 24 drivers in the Central Scotland police area gave positive tests.

Even a point over the limit means you will be a drunk driver in the eyes of the law - and not only will you lose your licence and face a substantial fine, you could end up with a criminal record for the next 20 years.

Insurance premiums will be higher and in some circumstances where your job depends on being free to drive, you can jeopardise your employment and consequently impact on your family finances. You can even lose your car for good.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill said: “Our priority is to save lives.

‘‘But some drivers are still not heeding the warnings and around 30 people are killed every year in Scotland due to drink driving. Having even one alcoholic drink, then driving, makes you three times more likely to die in a car crash.

“Our message has always been clear - don’t ever drink and drive.

‘‘You could face an automatic ban of 12 months, a fine of up to £5,000, a lengthy criminal record and the possibility of a prison sentence.’’

The latest figures reveal that approximately one in eight deaths on Scottish roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit.

Superintendent Iain Murray, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland,said:“Every year we raise the issue of drink driving and every year there are still people who break the law with no consideration for others.

‘‘Drink or drive, it’s your choice- but you cannot do both.

‘‘In Scotland there are over 17,000 police officers and there has never been a greater priority and focus on casualty reduction and making Scotland’s roads safer. Our message is clear - leave the car’’.

If you suspect someone of drink driving, call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it to your local police.

DRINK DRIVE FACTFILE

Authorities can seize a driver’s vehicle under the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.

In Scotland, the forfeiture scheme was first introduced during the 2009 Festive Drink Drive campaign

Causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink and/or drugs will result in a minimum two-year driving ban and up to 14 years in prison with an unlimited fine

According to the latest figures, it is estimated that just over one in eight deaths on Scottish roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit

Drink driving fatalities cost Scotland an estimated £45 million a year.

Fewer than one in four Scots is aware that you get a minimum 20 year criminal record for drink driving

30 people are killed every year in Scotland due to drink driving.