Lorraine Williamson
It’s a warm evening, the drinks are flowing, and the idea of cycling home feels like a responsible choice. But in Spain, pedalling under the influence can still land you with a serious fine—even if you’re nowhere near a car.
Under Spanish traffic law, cyclists and electric scooter riders who exceed alcohol limits can be fined up to €1,000. It’s not a criminal offence, and you won’t lose points on your driving licence—but the penalties are steep, and enforcement is strict.
Alcohol tests aren’t just for drivers
Spain’s traffic authorities conduct nearly 10 million alcohol checks each year, not only on motor vehicle drivers but also on cyclists and pedestrians. The Guardia Civil, Mossos d’Esquadra, Ertzaintza, Policía Foral and local forces all carry out roadside testing.
While Spain’s Penal Code (Article 379) sets strict thresholds for drink-driving criminal charges—0.60 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled air or 1.2 g/l in blood—these only apply to drivers of motor vehicles and mopeds.
Cyclists who blow over 0.25 mg/l in a breathalyser (or 0.15 mg/l for professional cyclists or new drivers) commit an administrative offence, not a criminal one. But once you hit 0.50 mg/l, the DGT (Spain’s traffic authority) categorises the act as very serious.
No points lost, but the fee might hurt
Because you don’t need a driving licence to cycle in Spain, any offence won’t affect your licence points—even if you have one. But that doesn’t mean it comes without consequences. Fines for cycling or scootering under the influence range from €500 to €1,000, depending on the level of alcohol detected.
Importantly, the same standards and penalties apply to electric scooter riders, who are legally classified similarly to cyclists for these offences.
Helmet rules: What you need to know
While you’re unlikely to face jail time for riding home tipsy, you may face further penalties if you skip the helmet—especially on interurban roads.
In Spain, approved helmets are compulsory for all cyclists riding outside city limits. There are some exceptions: long uphill rides, extreme heat, or medical reasons. For children under 16, helmets are mandatory at all times—on every road, in every setting.
Spain’s message is clear: Stay sober on two wheels
Whether you’re on a mountain trail or weaving through a coastal town, riding under the influence is taken seriously—even if you’re not behind the wheel of a car. With fines running up to €1,000 and no sympathy for e-scooters either, Spain’s stance on road safety leaves little wiggle room.
Next time you’ve had a drink or two, it might be worth calling a taxi—or walking the bike home.
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