Spain's DGT ramps up summer alcohol and drug driving checks nationwide

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has launched a special summer campaign running from 13 to 19 July 2026 to intensify random alcohol‑ and drug‑testing of drivers across Spain. The operation involves the Guardia Civil traffic unit together with regional and local police forces in cities such as Fuenlabrada, Vila‑real, Huelva, Albacete, Cáceres and Madrid. The DGT reiterates a zero‑tolerance message – the only safe blood‑alcohol level is 0.0 g/L – and stresses that alcohol was a factor in 28 % of fatal road crashes in 2024, accounting for 273 deaths and a 9 % rise over 2023 (24 % over 2019). Random checkpoints test both breath alcohol and narcotics, with previous summer operations detecting 928 positive cases in Galicia (about six per hour) and 799 positives from 38 900 tests in Andalusia. Volunteers from the disability association ASPAYM accompany officers to illustrate the human cost of impaired driving. The campaign aims to prevent further fatalities during the high‑traffic summer holidays by removing intoxicated drivers from the road before accidents occur.