Spain’s drink driving laws are stricter than the UK. In Spain the legal limit is 0.5mg of alcohol per ml of blood. In the UK, the limit is 0.8mg. Spanish rules also dictate that new drivers have to adhere to lower levels.

From the 9th May 2014, Spanish regulations state that a minimum fine of 1000€ will be payable by drivers caught whilst twice over the drink drive limit, and/or in all cases for re-offending drink drivers, and/or all drivers found under the influence of drugs.

2 SMALL GLASSES OF WINE OR 3 CAÑAS ,  THAT’S YOUR LOT.

UK guidelines based on 80mg per litre of blood, are 4 units for men, 3 for women, to keep below that level.

Applying this to the Spanish limit of 50mg per litre of blood results in a limit of 2.5 units of alcohol for men, and just under 2 units for women.

For men this equates to 3 small glasses of wine, or 3 cañas.

For women even 2 glasses of wine or 2 cañas are pushing the limit based on those UK guidelines.

SPANISH DRINK DRIVE LIMITS – THE FACTS

The legal maximum limits are:

  • A blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre
  • (A breath alcohol level of 0.25 mg per litre)
  • For drivers holding a licence for less than two years
  • A blood alcohol level of 0.3 grams per litre
  • (A breath alcohol level of 0.15 mg per litre)
  • Drivers are obliged to submit to a breathalyser test at the request of a police officer in the following situations:
  • If the vehicle was involved in an accident
  • If the driver is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances
  • If the driver has broken a law, such as speeding
  • At a random control point (control de alcholemia) set up by the police.

THE SPANISH POINTS SYSTEM

Spain applies a points system to driving licences. Spanish residents (including non-Spanish nationals who hold an NIE number) have an initial allocation of 12 points.

Points are deducted according to the severity of the offence. When no points remain, the licence is cancelled and the driver must complete an education process to have it reissued.

While EU driving licences are valid in Spain, the Spanish authorities cannot deduct points from a non-Spanish EU licence. For this reason, they may insist on a licence exchange in order to deduct points from a licence when the holder has committed an offence.