Are you planning to driving in Spain - on holiday or business? Here motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden looks at what you need to know about drink and drug driving – the limits, consequences and how the police make checks.
Find out
the information you need about driving in Spain (Image by Max from Pixabay)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Drink driving limits in Spain
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Zero tolerance for drug driving in Spain
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How long do drugs stay in your system?
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Penalties for drink or drug driving in Spain
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Can I drive in Spain on prescription medication?
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How many tourists are caught drink or drug driving in Spain?
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Do Spanish driving bans affect my UK licence?
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Stay safe: essential tips before driving in Spain
Drink driving limits in Spain
Spain’s legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for regular drivers
is 0.5 g/L (or 0.25 mg/L of breath).
For novice (under 2 years licence)
or professional drivers, the limit is 0.3 g/L blood (0.15 mg/L breath).
Under-18s and learner drivers must maintain a zero alcohol level.
Zero tolerance for drug driving in Spain
Spain operates a zero-tolerance policy for illicit drugs (e.g. cannabis,
cocaine). Roadside checks by Guardia Civil include saliva and blood tests.
Even trace amounts of illegal substances can lead to prosecution.
How long do drugs stay in your system?
| Drug type | Approximate detection window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cannabis (THC) | 1–30 days (depending on use) | Regular use increases detection time |
| Cocaine | 1–3 days | May cause false sense of alertness |
| Amphetamines | 1–4 days | Can impair judgment and increase risk |
| Opiates (heroin, morphine) | 1–3 days | High impairment, strong enforcement |
| Benzodiazepines | 2–7 days | Often in prescription form |
| MDMA / Ecstasy | 1–3 days | Can increase risk-taking behind wheel |
Note: Prescription medications containing
these substances may also result in a positive test.
Disclaimer: These detection windows are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the individual’s metabolism, frequency of use, body weight, hydration, and other factors. Always assume you may test positive for longer than expected.
Penalties for drink or drug driving in Spain
| Offence | Penalty type | Possible consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol 0.25–0.50 mg/L breath | Administrative fine | €200–€500, 2–4 penalty points |
| Alcohol 0.50–1.2 g/L blood | Criminal offence | Up to €1,000 fine, 6 points, licence suspension |
| Alcohol above 1.2 g/L or repeat offence | Criminal offence | Prison sentence, long-term ban |
| Drug driving (any trace) | Criminal or administrative | Fine, immediate licence suspension, possible jail |
| Refusal to take a test | Criminal offence | Treated as guilty, with full penalties applied |
Can I drive in Spain on prescription medication?
Many legal medications (e.g. sleep aids, antidepressants,
antihistamines) can impair driving or trigger false positives.
On-pack warning triangles signal driving-impairing meds.
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor before driving on new prescription meds.
How many tourists are caught drink or drug driving in Spain?
Exact tourist-only figures aren't public, but Spain undertakes 6–7
million roadside alcohol/drug checks annually.
Studies suggest 8% of
Spanish drivers test positive for drugs and 5% for alcohol.
Tourists
are often targeted as “soft” fine payers, especially during holiday seasons.
Do Spanish driving bans affect my UK licence?
A Spanish ban applies only within Spain. The UK does not automatically
enforce foreign bans, but serious offences may be notified to the DVLA.
The DVLA may:
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Record the offence
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Apply UK-based penalties for severe or repeat offences
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Render UK insurance invalid if undeclared
Stay safe: essential tips before driving in Spain
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Avoid drinking if driving—limits are low and risks high
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Never mix alcohol with prescription meds
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Refuse tests? Expect fines, licence loss, and criminal charges
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Always declare foreign offences to your UK insurer
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Be extra cautious during summer: tourist traffic is heavy and checkpoints frequent
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Travel and legal regulations may change—seek professional advice or contact local authorities and the DVLA for your individual circumstances.
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Author: Pete Barden:
Twitter: @pete_barden
Pete Barden is a qualified journalist who has written and produced for publications including The Sun (thesun.co.uk), New Statesman Media Group, Whatcar? (Whatcar.com) Stuff Magazine (Stuff.tv), Fastcar Magazine (Fastcar.co.uk), Maxim Magazine and UK broadcast stations within the Heart network (Formerly GCAP). Pete specialises in motoring and travel content, along with news and production roles. You can find out more about Pete Barden on LinkedIn.
