A driving offence or penalty points in Scotland: what happens?
Scotland's drink-drive limit is lower than in England and Wales: 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath (50mg in 100ml of blood). Speed awareness courses are not offered in Scotland: you will usually get a conditional offer of a fixed penalty or be reported to the procurator fiscal. As in the rest of the UK, 12 or more penalty points within three years usually means a ban of at least six months, and new drivers lose their licence if they reach six points within two years of passing. Courts can order forfeiture of a vehicle in drink and drug driving cases.
Law checked as at 25 September 2026. Legal information only, not legal advice. See how we check and recent changes.
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Common questions
Motoring offences in Scotland: 12 questions answered
- What is the drink-drive limit in Scotland?
- What is the penalty for drink driving in Scotland?
- Can my car be taken away for drink driving in Scotland?
- What are the drug-driving limits in Scotland?
- How do penalty points and totting-up work?
- What happens if I get six points as a new driver?
- What is a conditional offer of fixed penalty?
- Can I do a speed awareness course in Scotland?
- Do I have to tell the police who was driving my car?
- What is the difference between careless and dangerous driving in Scotland?
- What are the penalties for using a phone or driving without insurance?
- Can I avoid a totting-up ban by showing exceptional hardship?
Penalty points, totting up and driving bans: 6 questions answered
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