Andorra Police Launch Summer Campaign Against Drink and Drug Driving
Andorra authorities initiated round-the-clock checks to deter impaired driving, publicising the operation in advance. Strict thresholds and penalties vary by driver type, targeting reduced accidents and heightened awareness.
Key Points
- Campaign runs July 4-26 and August 1-16 with 24/7 checks across roads.
- Non-pro drivers detained at 0.87 g/l BAC, pros at 0.57 g/l; fines up to €400 and license suspensions for lower levels.
- Criminal cases at 0.80 g/l for non-pros, 0.50 g/l for pros, with fines up to €6,000 and up to 2 years prison.
- Applies to cyclists and scooter riders; zero tolerance urged, autumn campaign planned.
Police in Andorra launched a summer campaign against drink-driving and drug-driving on Saturday, conducting checks around the clock at points across the road network.
The initiative runs in two phases: July 4 to 26, and August 1 to 16. Proposed by police and following the Ministry of Justice and Interior's action plan, it aims to curb risky behaviour, cut traffic accidents, and raise awareness of the dangers involved. By publicising the operation in advance, authorities hope to deter drivers from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Thresholds vary by driver type. Officers detain non-professional drivers at blood alcohol levels of 0.87 g/l or higher, and professionals from 0.57 g/l. In the lower ranges—0.81 to 0.86 g/l for non-professionals and 0.51 to 0.56 g/l for professionals—they may issue sanctions or refer cases to the Batllia based on symptoms and control circumstances.
Administrative penalties apply to non-professionals from 0.57 to 0.86 g/l, and professionals from 0.02 to 0.56 g/l. These include fines up to €400 and licence suspensions of up to two months.
Blood tests trigger criminal cases at 0.80 g/l for non-professionals and 0.50 g/l for professionals, without breathalyser error margins.
Penalties in criminal proceedings are severe. Professionals face fines from €1,200 to €6,000, up to two years in prison, licence withdrawal for up to four years, and professional disqualification for the same period. Non-professionals risk fines from €300 to €3,000, up to one year in prison or arrest, and licence revocation for up to three years.
Drug-driving qualifies as a misdemeanour with licence suspension. Refusal of tests results in detention, plus fines from €600 to €3,000 (€1,200 to €6,000 for professionals), possible prison or arrest up to one year, and licence loss up to three years (four for professionals).
Cyclists, electric scooter riders, and personal mobility vehicle operators must follow the traffic code and face the same administrative or criminal consequences if impaired, including arrest above penal limits.
Police urge zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs before driving and personal accountability. An autumn campaign will follow.
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