In data released by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), there are 1.250 drivers serving prison sentences in Spain for repeated drink driving offences.

In one year alone, 19.000 drunk drivers were caught by officers and brought to justice. This was confirmed yesterday by the director general de Tráfico, Pere Navarro, who stated that this summer from 6th to 19th July they will launch a special campaign of alcohol checkpoints.

Most of the drivers caught are sentenced to a suspension of their license, community service and a fine. Only repeat offenders are sent to prison.

Last year the Guardia Civil de Tráfico reported 95.000 drivers exceeding the legal limit of alcohol allowed.

As part of the campaign, the DGT will carry out a TV and press campaign with the slogan: “Si todos conocemos las normas de circulación y todos sabemos cómo se hace ¿Por qué no lo hacemos? (If you know all the rules of the road and we do all know them, Why do not not obey them? (Not literal translation))”

For our readers in Spain who come from the UK, it is always worth noting that the allowed amount of alcohol in Spain is significantly lower than that allowed in the UK. The best advice, as always, is to never drink and drive.