New alcohol limit for drivers: Spain lowers legal limit

The Spanish government has taken a significant step to improve road safety by lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers.

This move comes in response to the recognition that alcohol consumption is a leading factor in traffic accidents. The Congress recently approved a proposal, presented by the Socialist Parliamentary Group, to reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers of both motorized and non-motorized vehicles.

What will be the new alcohol limit in Spain while driving?

Under the new proposal, the limit is set at 0.2 grams per liter of blood and 0.1 milligrams per liter of breath. Currently, these limits stand at 0.5 g/l and 0.25 mg/l, respectively. For novice drivers, the existing limits are 0.3 g/l and 0.15 mg/l. These changes represent a significant tightening of the regulations, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing road accidents.

The government has justified this measure by emphasizing the dangers of alcohol consumption while driving. According to 2023 data, 32.7% of fatal traffic accident victims had positive blood alcohol levels. Despite advancements in road safety, this figure remains alarmingly high, demonstrating the need for stricter regulations.

The proposal has passed with the support of parties including the PSOE, PNV, Esquerra Republicana, and Sumar. However, it still needs to go through several legislative steps before becoming law. The next stage will involve the Ministry of the Interior drafting a formal bill to present to the Spanish Parliament.

This new legislation marks a pivotal move in Spain's road safety strategy, aiming to further reduce the risks posed by impaired driving and save lives on the roads.