A Courier investigation has found only a tiny handful of those caught drink-driving have given readings lower than the old limit but above the new.
Over the first 11 weeks of the new limit being in force, just 42 drivers were prosecuted for having more than 22 microgrammes (mics) but under the previous 35 mics of alcohol in their breath.
During the same period 449 drivers went to court after providing readings of more than 35 mics.
Scottish Licensed Trade Association chief executive Paul Waterson said the new lower limit is having an excessive impact on the few motorists “with a residual amount of alcohol in their breath”.
He said the new limit was also threatening his industry, with pubs and clubs suffering serious falls in takings and putting jobs at risk. It wants motorists breath-tested at between 22 and 35mics of alcohol to be given only penalty points.
The Scottish Government disagrees and says the existing penalties are appropriate to deter people from drinking and driving.
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