Spain crackdown on drunken and drugged driving catches 500 drivers per day

More than 500 drivers a day tested positive for alcohol or drugs during Spain’s annual December enforcement campaign, according to official data released by the Ministry of Interior through the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). The figures are based on increased roadside checks carried out across the country in the days before Christmas. This period is traditionally associated with increased traffic and social activity.

The campaign, which ran from 15 to 21 December, was part of a wider DGT strategy for Christmas road safety. During this week, officers of the Civil Guard and regional police forces conducted more checks on urban and interurban routes, with an emphasis on preventing alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.

Nearly 192, 000 tests performed in Spain

Preventive checks are the foundation of enforcement

Official statistics show that 191,864 drug and alcohol tests were administered during the campaign. Three thousand five hundred and twenty-three of the 191,864 tests conducted during the seven-day campaign returned positive results. It is approximately 500 positive results per day.

DGT has stated that most of these tests are part of preventive measures, not as a result of traffic offences or accidents. Authorities claim that random checks are the most effective way to deter dangerous driving, because they increase the perception among drivers of their likelihood of being caught.

Most positives detected during random roadside stops

Authorities emphasize visibility as a deterrent

According to the Ministry of Interior 88.8 percent of positive results were detected during roadside preventive checks. The rest of the cases were discovered after traffic violations or road accidents, or when officers noticed clear signs that a person was impaired.

Traffic officials believe that this distribution highlights the importance of a visible presence by police on the roads during times of high risk, especially in winter. DGT has warned drivers that they often underestimate the effects of drugs and alcohol, as well as the likelihood of getting stopped.

Drivers face criminal charges

Serious cases sent to the courts

Although the majority of positive results involved administrative penalties, 233 motorists were referred by judicial authorities. In Spain, driving under the influence or exceeding certain thresholds of alcohol is a crime.

Convictions are punishable by prison terms, fines of considerable amounts, long-term driving bans and the loss of license points. DGT stressed that criminal sanctions were reserved for serious cases where road safety was deemed to be significantly compromised.

Alcohol and drugs are still a major risk factor

DGT warns about persistent impact on road safety

DGT has identified alcohol and drug consumption as a major contributor to fatal and serious accidents on the road in Spain. The DGT has repeatedly found that impaired driving affects the driver’s ability to react, judge and control their vehicle.

Authorities are increasingly concerned with drug-driving. Cannabis and cocaine in particular have been a focus of their concern. The DGT reports that, while drink-driving is down over time, drug use behind a wheel has increased in recent years.

Special surveillance for Christmas travel

Campaigns to reduce deaths are seasonal campaigns that aim to avoid them

The December operation is a part of the broader traffic measures that will be implemented around Christmas and New Year. Additional enforcement is usually scheduled around holidays when long-distance driving and social events can increase road risks.

The traffic authorities continue to remind motorists that even small amounts can affect driving ability, especially among novice drivers. Spain has stricter limits on alcohol for professional and new drivers. The DGT reports that this rule is often ignored.

What official figures reveal

• In just one week, 3,523 drivers were tested for alcohol or drug use.
• Each day, more than 500 positives are recorded on average.
• Preventive checks detected nearly 89 percent of cases
• The courts referred 233 drivers for criminal offenses
• Alcohol and drugs continue to be a significant factor in road accidents.

Authorities reiterate zero-tolerance message

Continued enforcement and awareness in 2026

After the campaign, DGT reiterated there is no safe limit of alcohol or drugs while driving. The officials encouraged people to use public transport, taxis, and designated drivers during the festive season.

In order to reduce road accidents and deaths, the Spanish traffic authorities will combine enforcement with education and awareness in the future campaigns.