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 – ETSC

 

[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 – ETSC

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 – ETSC

& 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.