Drink-driving limits in Spain (2026)

Last reviewed: 29 October 2026

In short: Spain sets the limit at 0.05% blood alcohol (0.5 g/l), and 0.03% for novice and professional drivers. Criminal cases can bring up to 6 months in prison and a ban of 1 to 4 years.

RuleWhat applies
Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.05 % blood alcohol [1]
Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.03% (0.3 g/l blood, 0.15 mg/l exhaled air) during the 2 years after obtaining the licence. [1]
Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol0.03% (0.3 g/l blood, 0.15 mg/l exhaled air) for drivers of goods vehicles over 3,500 kg, vehicles with more than nine seats, public service, school and child transport, dangerous goods, emergency and special transport. [1]
Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol⚠ Not yet verified
Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcoholAdministrative: a fine of 500 euros, or 1,000 euros for a repeat offence within a year or a level above double the limit, plus loss of 4 or 6 licence points. Criminal: above 0.60 mg/l in breath or 1.2 g/l in blood, or driving under the influence, three to six months in prison, a fine of six to twelve months or 31 to 90 days of community work, and a driving ban of one to four years. [2]

Notes

  • Article 14.2 obliges drivers to take the test. DGT lists random tests in which drivers are chosen at random.
  • The 1,000 euro fine applies only to a repeat offence within a year or a level above double the limit. The penalties in the Código Penal are for offences, not for ordinary administrative cases.

Sources

  1. Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE): Reglamento General de Circulación (Real Decreto 1428/2003), artículo 20 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Agencia Estatal Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE): Real Decreto Legislativo 6/2015, de 30 de octubre, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.