Lorraine Williamson
Spain will introduce a stricter drink-driving limit in 2025, making it nearly impossible to have even one drink before driving. The new law reduces the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.2 grams per litre (g/l), down from the current 0.5 g/l.
This places Spain among the strictest countries in Europe when it comes to road safety laws.
New limits and European comparisons
Under the revised regulations, the limit for exhaled air is set at 0.1 milligrams per litre. This change aligns Spain with countries like Sweden, Norway, and Poland, where drink-driving laws are already stringent. In contrast, Germany, France, and the Netherlands still allow up to 0.5 g/l.
The decision follows a rise in traffic fatalities in 2024, linked to distractions such as mobile phone use and driving under the influence. Spanish authorities expect the stricter limits to cut alcohol-related crashes significantly.
How much alcohol is too much?
The lower threshold means even a single drink could put drivers over the legal limit. According to Spain’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT):
- A man weighing between 70 and 90 kg may exceed the limit after just one small beer (330 ml).
- A woman weighing 50 to 70 kg has an even higher chance of testing positive with the same amount.
Alternatives to drinking and driving
If you plan to consume alcohol, the safest choice is to arrange alternative transport. Designate a sober driver in your group, take a taxi, or use ride-hailing services like Uber. Public transport is also an option in many cities.
For those who still want to enjoy the social aspect of drinking, there are plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives. Many bars and restaurants offer alcohol-free beers, wines, spirits, and mocktails, alongside soft drinks. Choosing these options allows you to participate in social gatherings without risking your licence, fines, or worse
Common myths about alcohol and driving
Drinking water or coffee does not speed up alcohol metabolism. The body takes between one and 1.5 hours to process a standard drink, and nothing can change that. While water helps with hydration, it does not lower blood alcohol levels.
Fines and penalties
Stricter fines will accompany the new limits:
- 0.2 g/l – 0.5 g/l in blood (or 0.1 mg/l – 0.25 mg/l in exhaled air)
- €200 fine
- Loss of 2 licence points
- Above 0.5 g/l in blood
- Fines up to €1,000
- Loss of 6 licence points
Spain operates a points-based driving licence system. Drivers start with 12 points (or 8 for beginners). Points are deducted for infractions, and a licence is revoked if a driver reaches zero. Safe driving over time can earn back points, up to a maximum of 15.
Crackdown on police checkpoint warnings
Another new rule will prohibit sharing police checkpoint locations on social media. Posting information about drink-driving checks will now be considered a serious offence. The responsibility falls on the individual posting the information, rather than the platform hosting it. This aims to prevent drivers from avoiding checkpoints and continuing to drive under the influence.
When will the law take effect?
Although the legislation has been approved, some parliamentary steps remain before it is enforced. The law is expected to come into effect later in 2025.
For drivers in Spain, the choice will be clear: drink or drive – but not both.