Spain is preparing to introduce stricter drink-driving laws in late 2025 – and they’ll apply to everyone: locals, tourists, and car renters alike.
❌ Even a single beer or glass of wine can push you over the proposed limit – safest choice: don’t drink if you’re driving.
Previously:
❌ Regular drivers: 0.5 g/l
❌ New/professional drivers: 0.3 g/l
Now:
✅ All drivers – tourists included – have the same strict 0.2 g/l limit.
Spain is moving closer to zero tolerance.
🚫 0.2–0.5 g/l: €200 fine + 2 penalty points
🚫 0.5–1.2 g/l: €1000 fine + 6 penalty points
❗ Above 1.2 g/l: criminal offense – possible jail time, community service, ❌ up to 4-year driving ban
❗ Refusing a breath test: up to €2000 fine + possible jail
📉 Spain’s points system is strict – even one offense can cost you your license, especially with high BAC levels.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has formally proposed lowering the legal blood alcohol limit to 0.2 g/l (0.10 mg/l in breath) for all drivers, aiming to align Spain with countries like Sweden and Poland. The reform is part of a broader update to Article 20 of the General Traffic Regulations and is expected to take effect in late 2025, once published in the official state bulletin (BOE).
→ Source – Spanish Traffic Law
Although not yet legally in force, the DGT urges drivers to start adapting now, especially as enforcement campaigns intensify in preparation for the change.
Authorities have emphasized that even a small drink could already result in a positive reading, supporting the near-zero tolerance approach.
→ Report – SER Catalunya
Research shows that drivers with a BAC above 0.3 g/l are three times more likely to cause an accident – highlighting the urgency of this legal shift.
→ Study – El País
Spain uses a points-based driving license system to encourage safe behavior and penalize repeat offenders:
✅ Drivers start with 12 points (or 8 for new drivers).
❌ Drink-driving and other violations lead to point deductions (up to 6 at once).
♻️ After 2 years without serious offenses, your full 12 points are restored.
🧐 You can also regain points by taking DGT-approved safety courses (max 6 every 2 years).
⚠️ Losing all your points = license suspension + re-education.
Under the new law, this system becomes even more critical to monitor.
We get it – a cold beer or glass of wine feels amazing after a long day, especially in the Spanish heat. But with Spain preparing for zero-tolerance limits, even one drink might be too much. The new rules will leave no margin for error – if you drive, don’t drink.
✅ Drive sober, travel safely, and once you’ve parked – bring on the sangria and cerveza. 🍹🍺
DGT officials stress: enforcement will get tougher, with more roadside checks, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons. So it’s smart to start changing habits early, even before the law officially kicks in.
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Not yet. It is expected to be implemented in late 2025, once officially published in the BOE.
Yes – the new law applies to everyone driving on Spanish roads, regardless of residency.
Probably not. Even a small drink could exceed the 0.2 g/l threshold.
Yes – expect more breathalyzer checkpoints, especially at night, on weekends, and holidays.
Currently yes, but the DGT may limit their use in the future.
