Car key on table with drink and bottle tops

What's The Drink Drive Limit In Spain?

Expat Tips Published: 12 July 2023 16:57 CET Updated: 27 August 2025 22:26 CET

The Drink-Driving Problem in Spain

In Spain, a country renowned for its vibrant culture and spirited festivities, there exists a sobering issue that poses a significant threat to public safety: drink driving. Each year, countless lives are tragically lost or irrevocably altered due to the reckless decision of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Despite the implementation of rigorous legal measures, alcohol remains one of the predominant risk factors frequently associated with traffic accidents in Spain. According to recent figures from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), alcohol and/or drugs were present in 13% of traffic accidents with victims and in 26% of fatal accidents in 2023 alone.

With its rich social fabric and diverse regional traditions, Spain has long celebrated conviviality and revelry. However, the amalgamation of Spain's cultural penchant for festivity and the misuse of alcohol has contributed to a disconcerting upsurge in drink-driving incidents across the nation. This dangerous behaviour not only endangers the lives of those who partake in it but also puts innocent pedestrians, passengers, and other road users at grave risk. Spain's road safety authorities continue to warn that drink driving in Spain remains one of the most preventable causes of fatal collisions.

According to the DGT, the risk of an accident escalates proportionally with an individual's blood alcohol concentration. As the alcohol content in the bloodstream rises, so does the likelihood of a collision. For instance, at a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grammes of ethanol per litre of blood, the risk of a crash doubles, while at 0.8 g/l, it increases fivefold. This risk is further compounded in young drivers or those with limited driving experience, exacerbating the potential dangers on the road. These trends also align with wider EU road-safety data, which consistently highlight alcohol as a leading cause of severe accidents.

To tackle the issue, Spanish authorities have implemented stringent legislation and enforcement measures. Striving to strike a balance between prevention and deterrence, Spain has set legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and implemented regular police checkpoints to detect and deter drunk driving. However, despite these efforts, statistics continue to reveal an alarming number of incidents, highlighting the need for a multifaceted approach to effectively combat this menace. Drivers should also be aware that alcohol-related offences often come with additional sanctions linked to Spain’s driving licence points system.

Legal Alcohol Limits in Spain (2025)

The legal limit for alcohol in Spain is 0.5 grammes of alcohol per litre of blood (equivalent to 0.25 milligrammes of alcohol per litre of exhaled air).
For drivers with less than two years of driving experience or professional drivers, the limit is reduced to 0.3 grammes of alcohol per litre of blood (0.15 milligrammes per litre of exhaled air).
Individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from using e-scooters or mopeds if they have consumed any amount of alcohol.
The DGT continues to emphasise that even below the legal limit, the risk of an accident may still be increased, and the only truly safe limit is 0.0 grams per litre.

These limits form part of Spain’s broader strategy to reduce road fatalities, and they sit alongside other measures such as increased patrols and tighter enforcement of speeding and mobile-phone violations.

Number of Drinks and Blood Alcohol Level

For Women (weighing 50–70kg)

Beer: Only one 330ml bottle of beer is considered safe, while two or more exceed the limit.
Wine: One 100ml glass of wine is acceptable.
Vermouth: One 70ml glass of vermouth is safe, but a second glass approaches the limit, and a third exceeds it.
Liquor: Drinking one 45ml glass of liquor is permitted, but a second glass may exceed the limit.
Mixed Drinks: Even one mixed drink containing 50ml of alcohol, such as a gin and tonic, can potentially surpass the legal limit.

For Men (weighing 70–90kg)

Beer: One 330ml beer is considered safe, but a second beer brings you closer to the limit and a third exceeds it.
Wine: Two 100ml glasses are permissible, but a third glass approaches the limit. Similar guidelines apply to vermouth.
Liquor: Two 45ml glasses are acceptable, except for brandy, where one glass is safe, but a second pushes you near the limit.
Mixed Drinks: One 50ml glass of a mixed drink, such as gin and tonic or rum and coke, is deemed safe, but additional consumption may exceed the limit.

These guidelines should be seen as general reference points only. The DGT continues to remind drivers that metabolism, food intake, stress levels and time of day all affect how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream.

Factors Affecting Blood Alcohol Level

Drink Type: Fermented drinks like beer or wine are absorbed more slowly than distilled spirits. Fizzy mixers speed up alcohol absorption.
Age: Individuals below 18 and those over 65 are more affected by alcohol. New drivers, regardless of age, also face higher risk.
Food Intake: Drinking on an empty stomach increases alcohol absorption.
Time of Day: Alcohol is eliminated more slowly during sleep, meaning “morning-after” positives are common.
Personal Circumstances: Fatigue, anxiety, stress, or illness influence how the body processes alcohol.

Spain’s Guardia Civil frequently reports “morning after” positive cases during routine roadside checks, particularly after weekends and holidays—an issue many foreign drivers underestimate.

Fines and Penalties (Updated for 2025)

0.25mg/l to 0.50mg/l: €500 fine + 4 licence points.
0.50mg/l to 0.60mg/l: €1,000 fine + 6 licence points.
Over 0.60mg/l: Possible imprisonment (3–6 months), community service, and licence suspension (1–4 years).
Repeat offenders below 0.60mg/l: €1,000 fine + 4 or 6 licence points.
Refusing a breathalyser: 6–12 months imprisonment + 1–4 year suspension.
Common myths (coffee, oil, exercise, chewing gum, smoking) do NOT reduce BAC.

Drivers should also be aware that alcohol offences often interact with other sanctions under Spanish road-safety law. Penalties can escalate if combined with speeding, mobile-phone use, or failure to comply with mandatory roadside equipment rules outlined in Spain’s vehicle equipment regulations.

How Do the Spanish Drink-Drive Limits Compare to the UK?

Spanish drink-drive limits are more stringent than those in the UK. The permissible alcohol threshold for driving in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.8 g/l), compared to Spain’s 0.5 g/l.

Penalties in the UK can be harsher, including up to three months’ imprisonment, lengthy driving bans, and fines up to £2,500. The UK also operates a penalty-points regime, but Spain’s system applies stricter sanctions for high-risk behaviours.

FAQs About Drink Driving in Spain (2025)

Is there a zero-tolerance drink-drive limit in Spain?

No. But young drivers, novice drivers (under two years’ experience), and professional drivers face a much lower 0.3 g/l limit. Under-18s on e-scooters or mopeds must not consume any alcohol.

Can you be fined the morning after drinking?

Yes. Alcohol is eliminated more slowly during sleep, so “morning-after” breathalyser failures are common — especially after weekends or holidays. Be extremely careful; the Guardia Civil know this is prime catching time, especially on mornings after big national fiestas!

Are roadside breath tests random in Spain?

Yes. Police may stop any driver at any time, with no requirement for suspicion.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyser test?

Refusal is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment (6–12 months) and a driving ban of up to four years.

Can tourists or expats lose their licence?

Yes. Penalties apply to foreign licences too. The Guardia Civil may suspend your right to drive in Spain even if your licence was issued elsewhere.

Do drink-drive penalties affect insurance?

Yes. Convictions often void insurance, raise premiums significantly, and may prevent some insurers from offering cover.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s drink-driving laws are strict for a reason: alcohol remains a leading cause of fatal road accidents. Understanding the legal limits, knowing how alcohol affects the body, and recognising the severity of penalties can help both residents and expats stay safe. Whether driving in cities, rural roads, or long-distance motorways, the safest choice will always be avoiding alcohol entirely before getting behind the wheel.