New rules, now in force after being published in the BOE, mean that anyone under 18 riding a moped, bicycle or electric scooter can now face fines of €500 for any detectable level of alcohol, following the introduction of a zero-alcohol limit for minors.

Drivers and riders under the age of 18 in Spain, including here in the Canary Islands, must have no alcohol whatsoever in their system. Any positive breath test can result in a penalty.

Zero Tolerance for Under-18s

Under the new regulations, the legal alcohol limit for minors is:

• 0.0 grams per litre of blood
• 0.0 milligrams per litre of breath

Unlike adult drivers, there is no legal margin for alcohol consumption before getting behind the handlebars or wheel.

Where the offender holds a driving licence, the standard penalty can be a €500 fine and the loss of four penalty points. For minors riding bicycles or electric scooters that do not require a licence, points cannot be deducted, but the financial penalty can still be imposed.

Different Limits for Other Drivers

The changes do not affect the alcohol limits for most adult motorists.

Current limits remain:

• Novice and professional drivers: 0.15 mg/l of alcohol in breath.
• Other drivers: 0.25 mg/l of alcohol in breath.

Exceeding these limits is considered a serious traffic offence.

In more serious cases, such as higher alcohol readings or repeat offences within a 12-month period, penalties can increase to €1,000 and the loss of six licence points.

Part of Spain's Road Safety Strategy

Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) says the measure forms part of its ongoing campaign to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by reinforcing the message that the safest alcohol level when driving or riding is zero.

The Guardia Civil and Local Police forces are enforcing the rules through routine roadside checks and targeted drink-driving campaigns across the country.

The advice is simple: if you're planning to drive, ride a bike, or use an electric scooter, don't drink alcohol beforehand. Even a small amount could result in a hefty fine and, where applicable, penalty points on your licence.