The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has announced a major reform in the General Driver Regulations aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities on roads in Spain, including the Canary Islands. These long-anticipated modifications are set to come into effect very soon, marking significant steps in improving road safety.
As part of a summer campaign, the DGT has decided to lower the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit specifically for professional drivers. The new limit reduces the allowable BAC from 0.25 mg/l to 0.10 mg/l of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, less than half of the previous value. This stricter limit targets drivers of buses, taxis, and private hire vehicles (VTCs).
The primary objective of this change is to curb the rising number of road fatalities, aggressive driving behaviours, and the consumption of alcohol and drugs while driving. By implementing these stricter limits, the DGT aims to improve safety for all road users, particularly in vehicles operated by professional drivers.
Despite the relatively low number of fatalities involving professional drivers (75 out of 1,145 road deaths in 2023), the DGT believes this measure will further enhance safety in public transport.
The public has expressed significant discontent with the new regulations, with many advocating for a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol for all drivers. However, the DGT maintains that this specific reduction is a crucial step towards achieving its safety goals.
Under the new regulations, any professional driver exceeding the BAC limit of 0.10 mg/l faces fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 euros. Offenders can benefit from a 50% reduction if the fine is paid within the first 20 days. The DGT emphasises the importance of adhering to these limits, as even consuming a single beer or glass of wine could now lead to penalties.
As these new limits come into effect, both professional drivers and the general public will need to adapt to stricter controls on alcohol consumption to ensure safer roads across Spain.
