New Insurance Rules for Electric Scooters and E-Bikes in Spain
It is well known that driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit is prohibited and can lead to fines and problems. However, the allowed alcohol limit is not the same for everyone, and it also depends on the type of vehicle being driven at the time.
Who is required to take a breathalyser test?
Anyone driving a vehicle—including bicycles and personal mobility devices such as electric scooters—is required to submit to an alcohol test if so required. Furthermore, other road users involved in traffic accidents, including pedestrians, may also be required to be breathalysed.
The Police can request breathalyser tests in four specific situations:
- Any road user (driver or not) who might be responsible for an accident.
- Anyone driving a vehicle showing clear signs of being under the influence of alcohol.
- Anyone who has been reported for violating traffic regulations.
- Drivers stopped at preventive alcohol checkpoints by the authorities.
What are the legal alcohol limits?
The legal alcohol limits vary depending on the type of driver:
| Driver Type | Legal Limit (Breath Alcohol) | Legal Limit (Blood Alcohol) |
|---|---|---|
| General drivers | 0.25 mg/l | 0.50 g/l |
| Professional drivers* | 0.15 mg/l | 0.30 g/l |
| Drivers with less than 2 years’ experience | 0.15 mg/l | 0.30 g/l |
| Under age drivers | 0 mg/l | 0 g/l |
*Professional drivers include those operating heavy goods vehicles over 3,500 kg, passenger vehicles with more than nine seats, public service vehicles, school transport, vehicles carrying hazardous materials, emergency services, and special transports.
There is currently a reform underway that may come into effect shortly, potentially lowering these limits further to enhance road safety.
What penalties apply for exceeding the alcohol limit?
Penalties depend on the blood alcohol level detected and can be administrative or criminal.
Administrative penalties include:
- Driving with more than double the permitted alcohol limit (over 0.50 mg/l breath or 1 g/l blood for general drivers; over 0.30 mg/l breath or 0.6 g/l blood for professionals and novice drivers):
- Fine of €1,000
- Loss of 6 points on your licence
- Driving over the limit but less than double:
- Fine of €500
- Loss of 4 points on your licence
- Repeat offenders (within one year) who do not exceed double the limit:
- Fine of €1,000
- Loss of 4 or 6 points depending on alcohol level
Points are only deducted if the offense is committed while driving a vehicle that requires a license or permit. Therefore, no points are lost if the infraction occurs while riding a bicycle or electric scooter.
Criminal penalties apply when:
- Breath alcohol exceeds 0.60 mg/l or blood alcohol exceeds 1.2 g/l, or when driving under the influence of alcohol:
- Imprisonment from 3 to 6 months
- Fines for 6 to 12 months
- Community service from 30 to 90 days
- Driving ban from 1 to 4 years
In all criminal cases, the driving license is always revoked regardless of the sentence.
Refusing to take an alcohol test is also punishable both administratively and criminally.
Respecting alcohol limits when driving is not only a legal obligation but also a personal responsibility. Many accidents could be prevented if drivers adhered to the permitted alcohol levels, making roads safer for everyone. Don´t drink and Drive.
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