Andorra Police Launch 2026 Drink-Driving Campaign After Wave of Crashes and Arrests

### Andorra Police Launch 2026 Drink-Driving Campaign Amid Recent Crashes and Arrests

Andorra police have started their first 2026 campaign targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, set to continue until 12 April. The initiative emphasises announced checks to deter risky behaviour, enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Offenders risk fines of up to €3,000, prison sentences or arrests of up to one year, and driving licence suspensions of up to three years. Professional drivers face harsher consequences, and the road code applies to personal mobility vehicles such as bicycles and scooters.

Police highlighted the dangers in a statement, noting that such impairment "can lead to very serious consequences for consuming drivers and other road users".

The campaign follows a series of incidents involving impaired and reckless driving. On Saturday night, a 24-year-old driver of a French-registered car crashed into an L4 line bus on the CG-2 at kilometre 19.3 in Canillo, shortly before 11pm. Officers received the alert at 22:21. The car driver sustained injuries, while the bus driver and passengers escaped unharmed despite significant damage to the vehicle.

The previous Friday night, a 51-year-old Andorran man struck a protective barrier on the Forn road at the Prats junction in Canillo. He fled the scene of material damage but was quickly located and arrested with a blood alcohol level of 2.20, nearly three times the legal limit.

Two other arrests for alcohol offences occurred: a 38-year-old man stopped in Escaldes-Engordany early Thursday with a reading of 1.31, and a 33-year-old detained early Monday in Ordino with 1.44.

A high-risk chase unfolded early Sunday in Sant Julià de Lòria. A 23-year-old driver filled up at a service station and drove off without paying. Officers stopped him at the Riu Runer border for checks, but he sped off towards Andorra la Vella. Police pursued as he drove without lights, against traffic, at high speed and ignoring signals during busy post-nightlife hours, endangering others. He lost control and hit a streetlight on Baixada del Molí, near the Justice headquarters, where he was arrested.

Checks revealed the displayed plates were stolen from a vehicle in Sispony, La Massana's Plans area; the originals were inside the car. The owner, contacted by police at 5:23am after parking amid snowfall, reported no signs of theft and later replaced the plates for €42. He raised concerns about the motive, citing his young daughter's nearby school route. Officers confirmed they knew the suspect but cited data protection.

The 23-year-old tested negative for alcohol and drugs. He fell ill during detention and was hospitalised for checks; prosecutors ordered his release to avoid posting guards there. He faces charges of offences against public authority, collective safety and patrimony. Police are investigating possible vehicle sale irregularities, suspecting the plate swap hid issues from an unfinished deal. The stolen plates' owner could face further questions.

In a separate incident, police in Escaldes-Engordany arrested a 48-year-old man for alleged offences against physical and moral integrity after assaulting his minor son, prompted by an immediate action protocol for suspected abuse.