If you’re driving abroad this summer, especially in Spain or France, you might want to rethink that “just one glass” before getting behind the wheel.
A leading breathalyser company is warning British motorists that European drink-drive limits are far stricter than in England and Wales—and enforcement is much tougher too.
Spain is about to slash its limit to just 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (0.20‰ BAC)—a quarter of the English/Welsh limit and low enough that even one drink could push you over. In Spain, being even slightly over can mean a €1,000 fine or more.
France hasn’t changed its limit (0.50‰), but it’s ramping up enforcement. French police are 20 times more likely to breathalyse drivers than their UK counterparts, with random checks being the norm. If you’re caught above the English/Welsh limit there, you could face a €4,500 fine and up to two years in prison.
And yes, they really will find you. Spanish authorities have sent over 37,000 requests to the UK’s DVLA since March 2023 to track down British drivers for offences committed abroad. France, even without a formal post-Brexit data-sharing deal, still issued over 62,000 fines to UK-registered vehicles last year.
The safest approach? Skip alcohol entirely before driving and consider carrying a certified personal breathalyser—especially for “morning after” journeys. In France, it’s still recommended (though no longer mandatory) to have one in your car.
Remember: local rules apply whether you’re hiring a car or taking your own, and roadside testing in Europe is random and widespread—unlike in the UK, where police need a reason to stop you.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
