Andorra Police Arrest 55 in Drink-Driving Crackdown After 1,711 Checks

Police in Andorra arrested 55 people for drink-driving and drug use during a summer campaign, more than double the 25 detencions from the previous year despite a 36.2% increase in checks from 1,256 to 1,711.

The operation took place in two phases: 4 to 26 July and 1 to 16 August. This year's detention rate stood at 3.21 per 100 checks, the highest since 2020 (3.42) and exceeding rates from 2021 (2.89), 2022 (2.44), 2023 (2.31), 2024 (2.09) and 2019 (3.02). The 55 arrests represent the second-highest summer total over the past seven years, trailing only 2020 (75), 2021 (64) and 2022 (59).

Among those detained, 51 exceeded the 0.87g/l criminal alcohol threshold, while four refused tests. Officers handed out 27 administrative fines for lower readings. Including refusals and positives, incidents reached 84, or 4.91% of checks—up slightly from 57 (4.54%) the year before. Two drivers tested positive for drugs but avoided arrest: a 24-year-old tourist and a 46-year-old cross-border worker.

Readings ranged widely: 15 between 0.87 and 1.20g/l, 19 from 1.21 to 1.60g/l, 11 from 1.61 to 2.00g/l, and six above 2g/l. The peak was 2.98g/l by a scooter driver. Three detainees were involved in accidents: two in property-damage crashes and a motorcyclist who lost control with a 2.16g/l reading, sustaining injuries.

Of the 55, 44 were residents, eight tourists and three cross-border workers. Men made up 51 cases, women four. Ages included six from 18-25, 20 from 26-40, and 29 over 40.

The figures exclude a driver charged in a fatal 1 August crash, who tested positive but was arrested on 17 August after hospital release.

The Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA) has expressed concern over the near-doubling of arrests in just over five weeks, calling the figure excessive despite more checks. The group acknowledges that increased police presence aids detection but insists the results remain troubling. It highlights the varied alcohol levels, linked accidents and age groups, noting that such behaviour is not limited to young people or isolated cases.

The ACA supports ongoing checks but urges broader measures, including education and sustained awareness campaigns. It points to its own efforts, such as the Mobilitat Report, Missió Zero Accidents project and the FIA-backed "No perdis el control" initiative, which stresses deciding not to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel.

Authorities consider the checks essential for raising awareness as part of the Ministry of Justice and Interior's plan to cut road incidents. Two more campaigns are planned for late 2026.