Warning to Brits over strict new alcohol rule in Spain

British tourists planning to visit various Spanish holiday destinations should know about a strict new drinking rule the government may introduce before the end of the year.

A recent report conducted by the University of Valencia has revealed that drink-related road deaths in Spain have spiked by a worrying 39 percent in four years.

In 2022, 312 people died in road traffic accidents linked to alcohol consumption, either by the driver or a pedestrian, per Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) data.

In an effort to bring soaring numbers down, the DGT may usher in new drink-driving laws for all drivers, including those on e-scooters and bicycles, as per the Independent.

The autonomous agency has proposed a universal alcohol limit of 0.2g per litre in blood or 0.1mg per litre in breath.

A new Spanish drive-drinking law could impact British holidaymakers (Getty Stock Image)

This is a major reduction from the current legislation of 0.5 g/l in blood or 0.25 mg/l in breath for most drivers.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, alcohol driving limits are 0.8g per litre of blood or 0.35mg per litre of breath. In Scotland, the limit is slightly lower at 0.5mg per litre of blood or 0.22mg per litre of breath.

According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the newly-proposed Spanish limits could heavily impact British holidaymakers, making it difficult for them to drive ‘even after a small glass of wine or beer’.

Jesús Monclús, director of the Road Safety and Prevention Area at the Mapfre Foundation, told the publication that the suggested alcohol limit should really be understood as ‘not a single alcoholic drink if I'm going to drive’.

If you’re caught over the limit on Spanish roads, you could risk a fine of €500 (£437) to €1,000 (£873).

Travellers who opt against having a breathalyser test could be charged, the outlet claimed.

There is also a concern that points could be added to your licence.

Anyone who refuses a breathalyser may risk being charged (Getty Stock Image)

You can be disqualified from driving in the UK if you build up 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period.

In Spain, you start on 12 points, or eight if you’re a new driver. You can be banned from driving if you lose all your points.

Speaking about the strict boundaries, which could come into play before the end of the year, Álvaro Gómez, director of the DGT's National Road Safety Observatory, said: “With this reduction in the maximum legal blood alcohol level, we hope to reduce the percentage of drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, and thus the associated accidents.

“The impact is expected not only in the 0.2-0.5g/l limit, but also at higher levels. In Sweden and Norway, two benchmark countries, a significant reduction in accidents was observed after implementing a 0.2g/l limit.”