Tougher measures are being urged against speeding motorists

The motoring organisation said this was below average for the UK, with 55% of drivers overall admitting to breaking the speed limit.

However, it warned that the UK has a major problem with speeding drivers.

It has called for a new programme of improved detection, penalties and re-education for offenders.

The RAC said the 51% of Scottish drivers would be equivalent to 1.2 million people behind the wheel.

Spokesman for the RAC Philip Hale said: "Although Scottish drivers fare better than those anywhere else in the UK, the national speeding epidemic is a real concern.

"More motorists than ever are admitting to disorder on the roads. Overall, 16% - or four million British drivers - do not consider themselves law-abiding, almost double last year's figure."

Mr Hale said the country's annual death toll on the roads would be high enough to fill 10 commercial holiday jets.

The RAC has suggested:

• Tougher penalties for the worst offenders;

• Compulsory training after a speeding ban;

• In-car "black box" tracking for repeat offenders;

• More investment in high-profile traffic policing.

Experts discovered that 42% of motorists would stop speeding if they thought they faced an immediate 12-month ban, while 48% would change the way they drive if their car was fitted with an electronic tracking device.

However, only a third would take their foot off the pedal if they faced a one-month ban.

The RAC carried out a survey of 1,074 drivers in November.

Meanwhile, Strathclyde Police have launched a crackdown on tailgating, which the force claims it is to blame for one in five crashes in which somebody is hurt.

Superintendent Pat Docherty said: "Our statistics show that in almost every council area across the force, travelling too close to the car in front is the number one crash cause.

"This type of behaviour is dangerous and intimidating and we will be doing everything we can to get this message across, including enforcement if necessary."

He added: "Tailgating is one of the most common and dangerous examples of bad driving."