Andorra Police Arrest Four Drink-Drivers in First Week of Summer Campaign

Police in Andorra have launched their summer campaign against drink and drug-driving, resulting in multiple arrests during the first week of operations.

Over the past seven days, officers detained four drivers aged 21 to 49 with blood alcohol levels ranging from 1.04 to 2.40 g/l. Two of those with the highest readings were stopped following tips from members of the public: one leaving a car park in Andorra la Vella and another exiting a restaurant. In separate incidents at the Riu Runer border crossing, police arrested two 39-year-old tourists on suspicion of public health offences—one carrying 1 gram of cocaine and the other 0.8 grams of tusi.

The campaign, which started on Saturday, July 4, runs in two phases: until July 26 and from August 1 to 16. Checks operate around the clock at points across the road network, following a police proposal under the Ministry of Justice and Interior's road safety plan. The public announcement aims to deter impaired driving and raise awareness of associated risks.

Detention thresholds stand at 0.87 g/l for non-professional drivers and 0.57 g/l for professionals. In the bands immediately below—0.81 to 0.86 g/l for non-professionals and 0.51 to 0.56 g/l for professionals—officers may issue fines or refer cases to the Batllia based on observed symptoms and conditions.

Administrative penalties apply from 0.57 to 0.86 g/l for non-professionals and 0.02 to 0.56 g/l for professionals, with fines up to €400 and licence suspensions of up to two months. Criminal cases stem from blood tests at 0.80 g/l for non-professionals or 0.50 g/l for professionals, excluding breathalyser margins. Professionals face fines of €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 of €300 to €3,000, up to one year in prison or arrest, and licence revocation for up to three years.

Drug-driving constitutes a misdemeanour with licence suspension. Refusal of tests leads to detention, fines of €600 to €3,000 (€1,200 to €6,000 for professionals), possible prison or arrest up to one year, and licence loss for up to three years (four for professionals).

The rules extend to cyclists, electric scooter riders, and personal mobility vehicle users, who face equivalent administrative or criminal sanctions, including arrest above penal limits. Police urge zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs before driving and plan another campaign for autumn.