Spain is preparing to tighten its drink-driving laws, with new regulations that could have a big impact on both residents and tourists.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has proposed a near zero-tolerance limit for alcohol, aiming to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities linked to drink-driving.
If approved, the new rules will come into effect by the end of 2025, lowering the permitted blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.2 grams per litre, or 0.1 milligrams per litre in breath. In practical terms, this means that even a small drink could put a driver over the legal limit.
Spain to tighten drink-driving laws: Why the change?
The proposal follows concerning figures from 2022, when 312 people lost their lives and more than 500 were seriously injured in alcohol-related road accidents. In total, more than 4,200 incidents involved alcohol.
The DGT believes that the new, stricter limit will help reduce accidents and deaths in the same way as in countries such as Sweden and Norway, where similar measures have already proven effective. The new rules will apply not only to drivers but also to cyclists and e-scooter users.
What drivers need to know
Once in force, the new law will make Spain one of the strictest countries in Europe when it comes to alcohol and driving. Even a small glass of wine or beer could take a driver over the limit.
For tourists, this means the safest option is to avoid alcohol entirely before driving. Police will also carry out random breath tests, especially in tourist areas and cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and Palma, where alcohol-related accidents are more frequent.
Penalties for breaking the law
The consequences of drink-driving in Spain are severe. Depending on the amount of alcohol detected, fines can range from €500 to €1,000. Repeat offenders may face even tougher penalties, including a driving ban of up to four years, community service, or even a prison sentence.
Spain’s 12-point driving licence system also applies to foreign drivers. This means that visitors caught drink-driving can lose points on their home country licence. Refusing to take a breathalyser test carries heavy penalties too, including immediate arrest.
