Drunk Bus Driver in Spain: Nearly 6x Legal Limit with 25 Passengers

A bus driver in Algeciras, Spain, was found to be almost six times over the legal alcohol limit while transporting 25 passengers, local authorities have reported. The incident, which occurred on February 24, 2026, prompted a passenger to alert police after observing what they described as “clear symptoms” of intoxication in the driver.

According to a statement released by the Algeciras Local Police, officers were dispatched to locate the bus after receiving the call. The vehicle was identified on the service road of the highway to Málaga, thanks to details provided by the concerned passenger, including the license plate number and direction of travel.

Upon intercepting the bus, police administered a breathalyzer test to the driver. The initial reading registered 1.02 milligrams of alcohol per liter of exhaled air. This represents significantly above the legal limit for professional drivers in Spain, which, as of March 20, 2025, was reduced to 0.2 grams per liter (or 0.1 milligrams per liter of exhaled air) under new regulations aimed at improving road safety. Subsequent tests confirmed a final reading of 0.74 milligrams per liter.

Given that the incident occurred on an interurban route – falling under the jurisdiction of the Guardia Civil – the local police handed over the case and all relevant documentation to the national law enforcement agency for further investigation and legal proceedings.

The tightening of Spain’s drink-driving laws in 2025 places it among the most stringent countries in Europe regarding road safety. The new regulations, reducing the permissible blood alcohol concentration, were implemented following a rise in traffic fatalities in 2024, attributed in part to driving under the influence and distractions like mobile phone use. The Spanish traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has warned that even a single small beer (330ml) could put a man weighing between 70 and 90 kg over the legal limit, while a woman weighing between 50 and 70 kg faces an even higher risk with the same amount of alcohol.

This incident underscores the potential consequences of the new, lower limits and highlights the importance of responsible driving practices. The DGT has actively encouraged individuals planning to consume alcohol to arrange alternative transportation, such as designated drivers, taxis, ride-hailing services, or public transport.

The case in Algeciras is not an isolated one. In October 2025, a bus driver in Tomelloso (Ciudad Real) was arrested for driving six times over the legal alcohol limit. In June 2025, authorities detained a bus driver with a revoked license who was found to be five times over the permitted blood alcohol level while transporting 14 people, including eight minors, headed for Almeria. These incidents, coupled with the recent arrest in Algeciras, raise concerns about the enforcement of the new regulations and the potential for further incidents if drivers continue to disregard the law.

The stricter laws align Spain with countries like Sweden, Norway, and Poland, which already maintain stringent drink-driving regulations. In contrast, nations such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands still permit a blood alcohol concentration of up to 0.5 g/l, demonstrating a divergence in approaches to road safety across Europe. The Spanish government hopes the new measures will significantly reduce alcohol-related crashes and contribute to safer roads for all users.

The incident also comes amid broader discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of professional drivers. The potential for a single drink to exceed the legal limit necessitates a heightened awareness among drivers and a commitment to prioritizing safety over convenience. The DGT’s emphasis on alternative transportation options and the availability of non-alcoholic beverages reflect a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by the new regulations.