In the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays, when celebrations with family and friends often involve alcohol, the DGT is on high alert.
The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) has launched a new alcohol and drug enforcement campaign, running until Sunday 21 December, aimed at reducing drink and drug driving during one of the busiest periods on Spain’s roads.
The Provincial Head of Traffic, Cristóbal Cremades, stressed the importance of the campaign, stating that: “Once again, alcohol consumption remains the second most frequent contributing factor in fatal accidents. It was present in 12% of all accidents with victims in 2024 and in 28% of those resulting in fatalities, with 273 associated cases. That is 27 more than in 2023.”
Although Spanish society has made significant progress in raising awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, these figures clearly show that such campaigns remain essential. The DGT continues to reinforce the message that the only safe blood alcohol level when driving is 0.0%, and that nobody should drive, or allow others to drive, after consuming alcohol.
Increased police controls nationwide
Over the coming days, officers from the Civil Guard Traffic Group (ATGC), together with local police forces participating in the campaign, will establish checkpoints on all types of roads. These controls will take place at any time of day and will include urban areas, with the aim of preventing drivers who have consumed alcohol or drugs from using public roads.
Toxicological findings in traffic accident victims
According to the 2024 Report on Toxicological Findings in Traffic Accident Victims, prepared by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences in collaboration with the National Road Safety Observatory, almost half of all drivers who died in road accidents in 2024 (48.2%) and underwent toxicological analysis tested positive for alcohol, drugs or psychotropic medication, either alone or in combination. This compares with 53.6% in 2023.
Despite this reduction, a comparison over the last eleven years shows a 7.2% increase in the number of drivers with positive toxicological results in 2024 compared with 2014.
Possible reduction of the legal alcohol limit
Spain’s Congress of Deputies is currently processing a bill to reduce the maximum legal breath alcohol limit for all drivers to 0.10 mg/l, in line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation, the European Union and the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).
This limit has been in force for years in countries such as Sweden and Norway, which consistently record some of the best road safety figures in Europe.
When Norway and Sweden lowered their legal limit from 0.25 mg/l to 0.10 mg/l in 1990, alongside other complementary measures, the result was a 12% reduction in injury accidents, an 8% decrease in fatal accidents, and a 16% fall in drink-driving offences.
Current alcohol and drug regulations in Spain
The DGT reiterates that the only truly safe blood alcohol level is 0.0%, as the risk of being involved in an accident increases even within legal limits.
A 0.0% alcohol limit applies both in blood and breath tests for minors, following reforms to the Traffic and Road Safety Law.
Maximum legal alcohol limits
| Driver Type | Blood Limit | Breath Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General drivers | 0.5 g/l | 0.25 mg/l |
| Professional drivers | 0.3 g/l | 0.15 mg/l |
| Novice drivers | 0.3 g/l | 0.15 mg/l |
| Minors | 0.0 g/l | 0.0 mg/l |
Penalties for drink and drug driving
Administrative penalties for alcohol offences:
- Over 0.25 mg/l up to 0.50 mg/l: €500 fine and 4 points
- Over 0.50 mg/l: €1,000 fine and 6 points
- Repeat offenders: €1,000 fine and 4 or 6 points, depending on the level
Drug offences:
- Presence of drugs: €1,000 fine and 6 points
Criminal offences
Under Chapter IV, Title XVII of the Spanish Penal Code, driving with:
More than 0.60 mg/l in breath or 1.2 g/l in blood
- may result in three to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of six to twelve months, or community service of 30 to 90 days, plus disqualification from driving for one to four years.
Refusal to submit to testing
- carries a penalty of six months to one year in prison and driving disqualification for one to four years.
The same penalties apply to driving under the influence of drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances.
Since the introduction of Spain’s points-based driving licence system, around 12% of sanctioned drivers and 14% of deducted points have been related to drink-driving offences. Furthermore, two out of every three road safety crimes are linked to alcohol consumption.
