Spanish Cars Top Fines for No Winter Gear in Storm Goretti; Drink-Driving Campaign Nets 26 Arrests

### Spanish Vehicles Dominate Fines for Missing Winter Equipment During Storm Goretti Police and municipal traffic agents issued 11 fines over last Friday and Saturday's heavy snowfall for drivers lacking required winter gear, such as snow chains. Eight targeted Spanish-registered cars, one an Andorran vehicle, and two foreign-plated cars of unspecified origin. Police handed out five fines, while agents in Andorra la Vella, Canillo, and Ordino issued six—two each. Four police fines occurred in Canillo, with three on Friday and one on Saturday; the fifth followed a crash in Juberri. The fine for unprepared driving in snow conditions is 180 euros.

Storm Goretti caused major snow buildup, including 66 cm in Ransol and 37 cm over 24 hours on Saturday, according to meteorological records. This weekend's checks contributed to 39 total fines this season: 16 from police and 23 from municipal agents. La Massana and Ordino topped the list with nine each, followed by two each in Andorra la Vella and Canillo, and one in Sant Julià de Lòria.

Authorities highlighted coordinated efforts with local forces during snowfalls, including checkpoints and chain stations to block unprepared drivers, lower accident risks, ease congestion, and assist those facing equipment issues.

### Holiday Drink-Driving Campaign Yields 26 Arrests From December 11 to January 1, police conducted 839 breath tests, leading to 26 arrests—including one for refusal—and 14 administrative fines. Three arrests involved crashes: two with property damage and one with an injury. Most detainees were locals, plus five tourists and two cross-border workers—23 men and three women. Highest readings exceeded 2 g/L, reaching 2.24 g/L and 2.38 g/L. The previous year saw 19 arrests from 1,248 tests.

Recent incidents highlight the dangers. Early Friday morning between 2 and 4 a.m. in Canillo, officers arrested a 23-year-old tourist who tested positive after removing a wheel clamp from his illegally parked car in Incles and attempting to drive. He faced charges for a crime against public safety.

On Thursday evening at around 7:12 p.m. along Encamp's Avinguda de la Bartra on the CG-2, a 31-year-old man crashed into another car, injuring a 39-year-old woman. Police confirmed his blood alcohol level at 1.05 g/L and took him into custody. Emergency services responded to the scene.