Drink Driving

Andy · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:27 pm Post subject: Drink Driving

If you are complacent in any way regarding the Spanish drink drive laws (ex-pats and Brits abroad have a tendency to be), don't be - as the Spanish Police (Guardia Civil) have recently had a campaign against it.

Its possibly something to do with the recent festival in Ayamonte, but the Guardia Civil had a road block each night (last week) at the second traffic island under the Parador (on the way to Esuri & E5). They pulled every car in and performed breathalyser checks.

Every car was stopped and drivers breathalysed. The officer was extremely keen, and made the procedure very clear even though he spoke no English. I was stopped and after providing a clear sample I was allowed to go on.

There was an arrest van waiting in the wings on the road to the industrial estate, and a fast pursuit car positioned in case anyone tried to escape. It was an extremely professional setup.

Although the punishment is not as much as the UK, you can still expect a weekend or night in gaol, and non residents likely to be put before the next available court. If you have an accident and someone gets hurt - I imagine a stint in the Centro Penitenciario can be expected Shocked

..... That's one way to learn Spanish... really quickly.

The legal limit is less than 25mg/100ml of alcohol be in the blood (much less than the UK - 35mg/100ml)

Andy

cmortley · Traveller Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 43 Location: essex

Hi Andy
They have regular check point positions.
The roundabout near IC golf course is one also the one by Punta Del Moral/Isla Canela is another.
I have witnessed this one several times
I would have thought the road on to Costa Esuri wil be a prime spot
I was led to believe there was an on the spot large fine ( cash only) & you were banged up until it was paid
I hasten to add I do not know this from personal experience

Chris

TednSharon · Traveller Joined: 25 Jun 2006 Posts: 76 Location: Coventry

Did they ask to see your driving licence, passport and insurance too? You are supposed to carry it with you at all times aren't you?
Sharon

Andy · Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject:

Hi Sharon, no they didn't seem interested in other moving traffic or document offences, just the drink drivers. I believe you only need one form of id in Spain, so either your driving license or passport will do.