Police intensify DUI checks this Christmas

The Spanish General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has declared plans to increase roadside checks to prevent driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the festive period.

Started on Monday, December 16th and through to December 22nd, the DGT will implement additional checkpoints for alcohol and drug testing at various times throughout the day on all road types and within urban areas nationwide.

This measure aims to enhance road and urban surveillance, particularly during the peak of Christmas festivities. The focus will be on areas surrounding restaurants and nightclubs, where celebrations are common.

During a press event in Madrid this Monday, introducing the new phase of the Christmas prevention campaign, the DGT’s Deputy Director General of Mobility and Technology, Francisco José Ruiz Boada, emphasized the dangers of drinking and driving. “Alcohol does not mix with driving, especially during festive occasions. Avoid alcohol completely, regardless of the journey length,” he cautioned.

The campaign’s objective is to expand deterrents against driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

According to the DGT, alcohol and drug use remains among the top three hazards leading to both fatal and non-fatal road accidents.

In 2023, alcohol and other substances were involved in 13 percent of all traffic incidents involving casualties and 26 percent of deadly accidents, totaling 246 cases. Spain’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are set at 0.5 grams per liter generally, 0.3 for professional drivers, and 0.3 for new drivers (those with less than two years on their license).

The breath alcohol limit is 0.25 milligrams per liter, reduced to 0.15 for professional and novice drivers.

However, the DGT strongly advises a zero-tolerance approach, asserting that no level of alcohol is truly safe. “Research indicates that alcohol elevates risk from the very first drink. Even if below the legal threshold, any alcohol consumption jeopardizes the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road,” Boada further stated.

Reports have surfaced of drivers using online apps to evade checks, but Boada confirmed that the DGT is developing strategies to counteract such “anomalies” and ensure enforcement.