Spain’s New drink-driving crackdown: One glass too many could cost you €1,000

Spain is tightening its road rules. From late 2025, the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) will roll out a major reform to the Road Safety Law, lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for all drivers – including those on bicycles and e-scooters – to just 0.2 g/l in blood or 0.1 mg/l in breath.

The goal is to bring Spain into line with European standards that are more stringent and reduce alcohol related accidents. These are the main causes of road deaths in Spain. But for many motorists, it also means that the era of having ‘just one drink’ before driving could soon be over.

Spain takes a tougher stand on drunk driving

Spain’s current law allows drivers to have a blood alcohol level of up to 0.25 mg/l for the majority and 0.15 mg/l for professionals or those who are new. Once the reform takes effect, that will drop to a universal limit of 0.2 g/l (0.1 mg/l) for everyone – no exceptions.

The DGT says the new threshold aims to reduce road deaths linked to alcohol, which are present in 30–50 per cent of fatal crashes. Even a small amount of beer or wine could be enough to push drivers over.

The reform introduces a second penalty level. Drivers who register between 0.1 and 0.25 mg/l in breath will face a €200 fine (with a 50 per cent reduction for prompt payment) and lose two licence points. The DGT calls this a ‘low-tolerance zone,’ designed to catch first-time offenders before they become repeat risks.

What happens if your test is positive?

Rest of the sanctions will remain largely the same. Readings between 0.25 and 0.50 mg/l will cost €500 and 4 points, while anything above 0.50 mg/l doubles the fine to €1,000 and 6 points.

If you exceed 0.6 mg/l (or 1.2g/l) in breath or blood, then you are in criminal territory as defined in the Penal Code. It can result in fines, up to six-months of prison and community service. A licence suspension from one to four years is also possible.

The same penalties apply to refusing the test as for driving under the influence. “If you refuse to blow, you go to court – simple as that,” one traffic officer explained.

You can also find out more about the following: DGT Repetition offenders will also be punished. Anyone caught twice within a year could face fines of up to €1,000 and lose up to 6 points, depending on the severity of the infraction.

E-scooters are not the only vehicles that can be ridden by underage riders.

The new law is not just for drivers. It explicitly includes users of bicycles and e-scooters as well as mopeds with engines under 125cc.

For minors, it is even more clear: Zero tolerance. Anyone under the age of 18 will be required to maintain a 0.0g/l level when they ride a bike, scooter or small motorcycle starting in 2022. If caught with up to 0.50 mg/l, they face a €500 fine – and if they exceed that, €1,000. Refusing the Test? That’s another €1,000.

The DGT argues that the change reflects a modern reality in which new forms of transport – from rental e-scooters to urban bikes – share the same roads as cars. A government source said that the responsibility was the same regardless of which vehicle you drive.

Spain joins Europe’s stricter approach

Some European countries enforce limits that are similar to or even more strict, such as Sweden (0.20 g/l), Poland (0.20 g/l), Czechia and Hungary (zero tolerance).

Spain’s decision marks a cultural shift – one that prioritises road safety over convenience. Many welcome the change, especially in a place where driving while intoxicated is not only heavily punished but also socially accepted in small doses.

For others, particularly in rural areas with limited public transportation, it may require a complete change of habits.

When in doubt, do not drive.