Spain sees rise in unlicensed driving convictions

According to the 2025 Report of the State Attorney General's Office, convictions for driving without a valid license in Spain have surpassed convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for the first time. In 2025, there were 39,217 convictions for driving without a license, representing 52.6% of the total road safety criminal cases, compared to 31,159 convictions (41.8%) for alcohol or drug-related offenses.

Total criminal convictions for road safety violations reached 74,560, marking the second-lowest figure since systematic records began in 2010, excluding the 2020 pandemic period. Regional data shows Catalonia recorded the highest number of convictions with 18,051, followed by Andalusia and Madrid.

Separately, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has issued reminders regarding the points-based license system. Drivers can lose their licenses through the accumulation of traffic infractions even without testing positive for substances. Under the current system, experienced drivers start with 12 points, while new drivers start with 8, with potential bonuses up to 15 points for good driving records.