GNR reports over 8,400 alcohol-related driving arrests in Portugal

The Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) has reported 8,856 crimes related to blood alcohol levels in Portugal between January 1 and July 31, 2026. This resulted in 8,438 arrests, averaging approximately 280 drivers per week being intercepted for alcohol levels considered criminal.

Data indicates that the most affected demographic is adults between the ages of 31 and 64. Specifically, 2,450 arrests were made in the 51–64 age group, followed by 2,167 in the 41–50 group, 1,850 in the 31–40 group, and 1,266 in the 25–30 group. The GNR noted that incidents peak during weekends between midnight and 06:00, often linked to nighttime leisure activities.

Geographically, the districts of Porto, Setúbal, Aveiro, and Faro recorded the highest volumes of crimes and arrests. The GNR highlighted that these enforcement actions removed drivers from the road for a combined total of over 101,000 hours, as each detainee is prohibited from driving for at least 12 hours.