by Bill Heaney
More than 3,500 drink and drug driving tests were carried out by Police Scotland officers during the festive enforcement campaign.
In West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute there were three dozen arrests despite warnings from the police that they would be on special alerts for drinks and drugs drivers over Christmas and New Year.
Road policing and local policing carried out checks in towns and cities across Scotland to deter and detect drivers who had taken alcohol or drugs.
The enforcement campaign took place from 1 December 2025 until 4 January 2026.
There were 3,021 breath tests (319 offences detected) and 626 roadside drug tests (398 offences detected) conducted by officers.
Road safety partnerships worked together including supporting a Scottish Government behaviour change campaign which focused on highlighting the risks of drink and drug driving to young drivers, aiming to influence their behaviour.
Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of Road Policing, said: “Police Scotland will continue to target drink and drug drivers.
“Alcohol and drugs make a collision more likely and the impact destroys lives.
“These results bring a focus to work we do all year round. You could still be over the limit the morning after drinking or taking drugs.
“If caught, you could face a 12-month driving ban, up to £5,000 fine and up to six months in prison.
“Our enforcement role will continue alongside the multi-agency approach and partnership work to encourage crucial behaviour change amongst drivers.”