Breathalysed in Spain

[Lizbiebrowne]

I was stopped at a road junction in Spain this morning by two policemen and subjected to a random breath test for alcohol. The results was zero but it got me wandering what the position is in Spain for drunk in charge (as opposed to driving) a vehicle.

I understand that in the UK you can be prosecuted for being in your motorhome if you’re parked up in a public place and above the alcohol limit. Does the same apply in Spain?

 

[Spriddler]

I was stopped at a road junction in Spain this morning by two policemen and subjected to a random breath test for alcohol. The results was zero but it got me wandering what the position is in Spain for drunk in charge (as opposed to driving) a vehicle.

Crumbs, you do seem to have more than your fair share of 'events'

I understand that in the UK you can be prosecuted for being in your motorhome if you’re parked up in a public place and above the alcohol limit.

Not strictly true in the U.K. Quite often raised on here and there's a comprehensive article by Jim on the various situations which I think can be found in the Resources section.
It's an imperfect view but in fact I've never heard or read of anyone being breathalysed whilst parked up for the night (although no doubt someone may post now who has been ).

 

[Lizbiebrowne]

Crumbs, you do seem to have more than your fair share of 'events'

Not strictly true in the U.K. Quite often raised on here and there's a comprehensive article by Jim on the various situations which I think can be found in the Resources section.

Yes, but more interested in the position in Spain.

 

[David and Sally]

I don’t know the laws in Spain, but I would suggest you act as if in the UK. No keys in the ignition or on your person if at all possible. Turn front seats around. Wheel locks on etc.

But, I too would be interested to know how Spanish police view all this.

 

[jumartoo]

Peavy ???

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[Spriddler]

I don’t know the laws in Spain, but I would suggest you act as if in the UK. No keys in the ignition or on your person if at all possible. Turn front seats around. Wheel locks on etc.

Jimjams on, dinner on the hob, awning out, corner steadies down etc. etc ...............
Mind you, I couldn't drink enough (Spanish) wine to put me over the limit.

 

[Burgo]

Just bare in mind that the UK has possibly the least prohibitive limit if drinking in the world. Most other countries the limit is far lower - approaching half the UK allowed amount - here they are debating making it effectively zero.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Drink Driving Limits across Europe

These are the maximum drink driving limits across Europe for drivers as well as special limits for commercial and novice drivers where applicable. Shown in grammes per litre. Standard BAC limits in…

etsc.eu

 

[Puddleduck]

Just bare in mind that the UK has possibly the least prohibitive limit if drinking in the world. Most other countries the limit is far lower - approaching half the UK allowed amount - here they are debating making it effectively zero.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Drink Driving Limits across Europe

These are the maximum drink driving limits across Europe for drivers as well as special limits for commercial and novice drivers where applicable. Shown in grammes per litre. Standard BAC limits in…

etsc.eu

Lower in Scotland than the rest of the UK.

I have no idea about Spain as I am virtually teetotal. Alcohol with my meds are a very bad idea but I was abstemious in my drinking habits anyway so no real difference.

 

[Lizbiebrowne]

Yes, but what’s I interested is knowing is: is there an offence in Spain of being drunk in charge of a vehicle (as opposed to driving one) and how is that interpreted by the police in respect of staying, say, in a car park or on an aire.

 

[Peavy]

Yes, but what’s I interested is knowing is: is there an offence in Spain of being drunk in charge of a vehicle (as opposed to driving one) and how is that interpreted by the police in respect of staying, say, in a car park or on an aire.

I'm not a policeman or a lawyer, but here you could only be charged if you get stopped while you're driving.
Anything different of being driving the vehicle, never heard of it, forget it.
In fact I was surprised when I read Jim's article about it a few months back.
It was surreal to me
Really simple here
Limit is 0'25 but I believe they want to lower it to 0,20

First thing Mrs Peavy says when we arrive at the parking place with the MH and we turn off the engine is "a beber cerveza!"

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[gus-lopez]

Yes, but what’s I interested is knowing is: is there an offence in Spain of being drunk in charge of a vehicle (as opposed to driving one) and how is that interpreted by the police in respect of staying, say, in a car park or on an aire.

I'd err on the side of caution & not have any.

Just bare in mind that the UK has possibly the least prohibitive limit if drinking in the world. Most other countries the limit is far lower - approaching half the UK allowed amount - here they are debating making it effectively zero.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Drink Driving Limits across Europe

These are the maximum drink driving limits across Europe for drivers as well as special limits for commercial and novice drivers where applicable. Shown in grammes per litre. Standard BAC limits in…

etsc.eu

& if you are what they term as a 'professional driver'* the limit is 50% lower .

* professional drivers are anyone who drives for a living be it bus,taxi,truck,agricultural vehicles,ambulance, fire engine, any public service vehicle, police, etc;etc.

 

[Nirvanauk]

Now, I enjoy a drink but would never dream of driving if I’d had even one. So, why on earth do we still have the highest level out there. Don’t understand our governments reasoning on this.

 

[Odd-no-more]

Now, I enjoy a drink but would never dream of driving if I’d had even one. So, why on earth do we still have the highest level out there. Don’t understand our governments reasoning on this.

The drink driving laws are out of date. We have the highest limit, but also the cliff edge penalty. Automatic ban for being just slightly over, or several times the limit. Other countries have a different approach. I know someone who drank a couple of pints after work, not slightly drunk, but just a tiny bit over the limit. Automatic ban, I think the penalty should be on a sliding scale. Personally I do my best to not drink and drive, if I'm out I will have a pint or single glass of wine, hopefully well under the limit, and not slightly affected, so what's the problem?

 

[Landy Andy]

Drink drive isn’t taking serious in uk.

Best friends son got done. Over three times limit, car full of kids with him, passed driving test a month before. He doesn’t have to resit test. Penalty was £99 fine, 10 month ban, and a bit of community service, WHICH WAS WALKING THE FAMILYS PET DOG.

I’m sure that will stop him, or his mates taking the risk again. Not. What a joke.

 

[Widge]

The drink driving laws are out of date. We have the highest limit, but also the cliff edge penalty. Automatic ban for being just slightly over, or several times the limit. Other countries have a different approach. I know someone who drank a couple of pints after work, not slightly drunk, but just a tiny bit over the limit. Automatic ban, I think the penalty should be on a sliding scale. Personally I do my best to not drink and drive, if I'm out I will have a pint or single glass of wine, hopefully well under the limit, and not slightly affected, so what's the problem?

Not that this answers the OP's original question, but if I understand correctly, in France you get an immediate ban for 3 months, during that time your case should go to court and depending on the circumstances, this will be extended to 6 months or a year etc.

Unfortunatly in france we have a fallback situation called a Sans Permit car, that is capable of doing about 50kph, that you can drive without a licence, they are not too bad in towns, but the other day there was a long queue stuck behind one on the main road to Béziers with cars and lorrys all trying to get past it.

It wouldn't have been so bad if the driver had used some common sense, that particular road goes through a big wine growing area and has narrow hard shoulders, wide enough for the small tractors and trailers to not disrupt the traffic during the picking season, he (or she) could have moved over either fully or partially into that lane to let traffic past, but no they were stuck right in the middle of their lane.

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[The Wino]

The drink driving laws are out of date. We have the highest limit, but also the cliff edge penalty. Automatic ban for being just slightly over, or several times the limit. Other countries have a different approach. I know someone who drank a couple of pints after work, not slightly drunk, but just a tiny bit over the limit. Automatic ban, I think the penalty should be on a sliding scale. Personally I do my best to not drink and drive, if I'm out I will have a pint or single glass of wine, hopefully well under the limit, and not slightly affected, so what's the problem?

I agree it ought to be like speeding with a sliding scale but starting lower than now probably about where it is in Scotland. But the biggest problem I think is it isnt an automatic ban because we all know if you have enough money and get the right lawer they are quite likely to get you off without a ban the same if you accumulate too many points.

 

[Tombola]

And dont have too many bananas they have alcohol in too

 

[gus-lopez]

passed driving test a month before. He doesn’t have to resit test.

I thought that when you had just passed your test you only were allowed to accumulate 6 points in the first two years before licence was withdrawn & you had to resit test all over again?

** just checked .His licence should be revoked.Here;

If you are a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you receive 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test. If this happens, you will have to to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and then pass both your theory and practical driving test again to get your full licence back.

 

[The Wino]

On the points issue

More than 50 people have UK driving licences with at least 30 points on them

Three men have over 100 points and one woman 96, analysis shows, leading to calls for review of system

www.theguardian.com

You have to think it's a joke

 

[Landy Andy]

I thought that when you had just passed your test you only were allowed to accumulate 6 points in the first two years before licence was withdrawn & you had to resit test all over again?

** just checked .His licence should be revoked.Here;

If you are a new driver, your licence will be revoked if you receive 6 or more points within 2 years of passing your test. If this happens, you will have to to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and then pass both your theory and practical driving test again to get your full licence back.

He was given 3 or 5 points. Can’t remember now, so no revoke, no retest.

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[Spriddler]

On the points issue

More than 50 people have UK driving licences with at least 30 points on them

Three men have over 100 points and one woman 96, analysis shows, leading to calls for review of system

www.theguardian.com

You have to think it's a joke

Their insurance premiums must be sky high.

 

[lorger]

Just bare in mind that the UK has possibly the least prohibitive limit if drinking in the world. Most other countries the limit is far lower - approaching half the UK allowed amount - here they are debating making it effectively zero.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Drink Driving Limits across Europe

These are the maximum drink driving limits across Europe for drivers as well as special limits for commercial and novice drivers where applicable. Shown in grammes per litre. Standard BAC limits in…

etsc.eu

These figures aren’t correct for the U.K.

 

[The Wino]

Their insurance premiums must be sky high.

I think it's shocking anyone would actually offer insurance. They must be pretty well off the have the legal representation to keep their licence. Maybe they form a limited company and insure vehicles for any driver.

 

[lorger]

I disagree that automatic ban is to severe for those that are just over, you know the law so just don’t drink and drive. My dad lost his license for DD and deservingly so, I have no sympathy for people who DD and would go one step further that if you’re caught a second time I’d ban you for life.

 

[The Wino]

I disagree that automatic ban is to severe for those that are just over, you know the law so just don’t drink and drive. My dad lost his license for DD and deservingly so, I have no sympathy for people who DD and would go one step further that if you’re caught a second time I’d ban you for life.

But you could have a lower limit with a fine and points a the same limit as now for an automatic ban. Also as I said previously if you have the financial means it quite likely you wouldn't get the ban which seems totally unfair as losing your licence if you're well off isn't that much hardship.

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[Gizmouk]

These figures aren’t correct for the U.K.

Many from south of the border don't realise we have far lower drink/drive limits here in Scotland, where 1 pint of "normal" lager can put someone over the limit.

 

[lorger]

But you could have a lower limit with a fine and points a the same limit as now for an automatic ban. Also as I said previously if you have the financial means it quite likely you wouldn't get the ban which seems totally unfair as losing your licence if you're well off isn't that much hardship.

Well any loopholes should be removed and if over limit it should be a ban no matter how rich you are, I agree a sliding scale may work but my minimum would still be a years ban.

 

[L' Hobo]

Drink drive isn’t taking serious in uk.

Best friends son got done. Over three times limit, car full of kids with him, passed driving test a month before. He doesn’t have to resit test. Penalty was £99 fine, 10 month ban, and a bit of community service, WHICH WAS WALKING THE FAMILYS PET DOG.

I’m sure that will stop him, or his mates taking the risk again. Not. What a joke.

I wouldn't want to pay his insurance the following year but thinking about it, with some parents, he probably wasn't paying for it this year?

If what you say is true, and I have no reason not to believe you, the Magistrates should be sacked!

 

[Odd-no-more]

Many from south of the border don't realise we have far lower drink/drive limits here in Scotland, where 1 pint of "normal" lager can put someone over the limit.

I didn't know that, if I ever go to Scotland I'll have to stick to Guinness 00.

 

[L' Hobo]

I didn't know that, if I ever go to Scotland I'll have to stick to Guinness 00.

No, I didn't know that either!
I thought the Road Laws covered ALL of the UK?

PS. I would rather drink water than pay for 00!

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