The zero rate of alcohol arrives in Spain

The DGT has introduced the concept of zero alcohol tax for the first time in the reform of the Traffic Law, which comes into force on March 21, 2022.

Therefore, those affected by this limitation will not be allowed to drink any alcohol at all if they have to drive.

The reform of the Traffic Law, in force since March 21, modifies article 14 section 1 of the Traffic Law, regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages and drugs, which until now established the following:

“14.1 The driver of any vehicle with alcohol levels higher than those determined by regulation may not circulate on the roads subject to this law”

With the entry into force of the reform of the Traffic Law, this section is modified as follows:

“14.1 The driver of any vehicle with alcohol levels higher than those determined by regulation may not circulate on the roads covered by this Law. Under no circumstances may the underage driver circulate on the roads with a blood alcohol level greater than 0 grams per liter or alcohol in breath greater than 0 milligrams per liter.

Neither can the driver of any vehicle with the presence of drugs in the body, which excludes those substances that are used under medical prescription and for therapeutic purposes, provided that you are in a position to use the vehicle in accordance with the obligation of diligence, precaution and non-distraction established in article 10.”

Currently it is not known what sanctions will entail or how this modification will be applied.

The DGT introduces the zero rate of alcohol with a very specific objective: the use of vehicles by minors and in new forms of mobility, such as electric scooters.

Therefore, the zero rate of alcohol will only apply to minors who drive.

It is important to note that traveling on an electric scooter or bicycle is also subject to respecting all traffic regulations and, consequently, its drivers may be subjected to breathalyzer controls, applying the usual rate if they are of legal age or the zero rate, from now on, if they are lower.