DRINKING AND DRIVING IN SPAIN

The legal maximum limits are:

• A blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per liter
• A breath alcohol level of 0.26 mg per liter
• For professional drivers or those having a licence for less than two years the maximum limits are lower.
• Drivers are obliged to submit to a breath test at the request of a police officer in the following situations:
• If the vehicle was involved in an accident
• If the driver seems to be under the influence of alcohol.
• If the driver has broken a law such as speeding
• At a random control point (control de alcoholemia) set up by the police

Drink driving penalties

Penalties for driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.5 g/l can include:

• A fine up to 500 €
• Deduction of 6 points from the driving licence
• Suspension of the driving licence for three months
• Additionally a minimum fine of 1000 € applies if a driver is more than double the drink drive limit
• Re-offending drink driver
• Refuses to take a breath test
• Found driving while under the influence of drugs (at any quantity)

Driving with a blood alcohol level of over 1.2 g/l can include a prison sentence and suspension of licence between one and four years.

Confiscation

Police will confiscate the vehicle of a driver who has been found to be over the legal limit of alcohol, or under the influence of drugs.

An exception can be made if a passenger has a valid licence and is able to legally drive the vehicle.

Spain applies a points system to driving licences, including those of non-Spanish nationals who are residents in Spain. Points are deducted according to the severity of the offence. If you are a resident in Spain you must register an exchange licence.

It is compulsory for non-residents to pay fines immediately, in cash. Points in this case cannot be deducted.

If this is not possible, the vehicle will be confiscated regardless of whether an alternate driver is available