It is calculated that between 30 and 50% of road traffic deaths are caused by drink driving.  This accounts for up to 1000 deaths each year.  In an effort to combat this figure the Guardia Civil has been instructed to carry out over 15,000 random breathalyser tests every day.  These tests are to be carried out at night and also during the afternoons to discourage the consumption of alcohol with meals.

  
Spain has very strict drink driving restrictions allowing only 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood - stricter than the UK where the limit is 0.8.  New drivers and professional drivers are effectively forbidden to drink and drive, with a very low 0.15 mg/ml limit. 

According to the law you have committed an offence if you are driving a vehicle while under the influence of more than the allowance of alcohol or under the effects of narcotics, psycotropics or any other substance of similar effects. 

For these infractions the Law provides that you can be fined on the spot up to 600 Euros and have your driving licence suspended for a period of up to 3 months plus you may also be taken to court for sentencing with up to 6 months in prison and banned from driving for 4 years.

You also are committing an offence if you refuse to take the test for which you can be sentenced to up to 1 year in prison and banned from driving for 4 years. 

If you are stopped, you will be asked to present your documentation and can be fined if you do not have it with you:

• Your EU or International driver’s license
• Your car registration document
• A certificate of insurance and proof of payment of insurance.
• Plus, if the car is not registered in your name you need a letter from the owner giving you authority to drive (in Spanish).
• You should also carry your passport or residencia as well.

Take no chances.  The least that can happen if you are caught is to be convicted of a drunk driving offence. The worst, you can be responsible for the death of someone, and then, no matter how good your legal assistance is, a homicide charge will be successfully brought against you.

DON’T DRINK & DRIVE

More information is available from the Direccion General de Trafico  www.dgt.es