Mexico expands municipal alcohol breath testing to curb traffic deaths

The city of Morelia in Michoacán will keep its alcoholometer program operating as a core preventive measure against traffic accidents. Officials note that alcohol is present in up to 60% of vehicle collisions in the state and contributes to roughly 24,000 fatalities nationwide each year. The program uses checkpoint inspections to detect and sanction drivers under the influence, aiming to protect motorists and pedestrians, especially young adults aged 15‑39 who are most at risk.

In the municipality of Querétaro, sanctions from the alcoholometer operation have risen 57% over the past year. Monthly convictions increased from 94 in early 2025 to 146 in 2026, with 2,735 people penalized this year alone. Operations run Wednesday‑Sunday nights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., supplemented by random daytime tests following a deadly June 2025 crash. About 80% of offenders opt for arrest, 18% pay fines, generating roughly 5.23 million pesos in revenue.