Andorra Businessman Loses Driving Licence Again for Repeat Drunk Driving

A man in Andorra la Vella has lost his driving licence for a second time after being convicted of driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, less than a month after regaining it from a previous similar offence.

The driver, who manages two companies handling tax residency applications for foreign clients—primarily French nationals—requested permission to drive during work hours following the initial revocation by the local court. After that request was denied, he appealed to the Superior Court, arguing that his job required long-distance travel to meet international clients and potential customers in France. He claimed public transport was impractical due to frequent strikes in France, while private alternatives were financially unfeasible. He also contended that enforcing the full penalty would harm his family and professional life through lost income, violating the principle of personalised sentencing. Specifically, he sought authorisation to drive for 24 hours every Tuesday and Friday.

The Superior Court rejected the appeal in its ruling. It noted that both Andorra's public transport services and other options to France operate fully, and any added cost or inconvenience is a direct consequence of the conviction for repeat drunk driving. The judgement highlighted the driver's "lack of deterrent effect" from the prior penalty, underscoring his ongoing risk to road safety. Protecting public road users, it stated, outweighs his professional needs.

The court pointed out practical alternatives: he could schedule client visits to just two days a week, use public transport with advance planning, or travel with one of his 15 employees. It also observed that he had managed his business without a licence for 15 months previously and showed signs of financial stability inconsistent with his claimed economic hardship. His work could continue via public transport for trips outside the Principat.