Fine, points... or jail time? This is what happens if you drink and ride a bike.

In Spain , nearly 10 million breathalyzer tests are conducted each year, including those carried out by the Civil Guard, local police, the Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police), the Ertzaintza (Basque police), and the Navarre Regional Police. The vast majority of tests are for motor vehicle drivers ; however, cyclists and even pedestrians can also take them.

For this reason, those who regularly ride bicycles should be aware that if they exceed the maximum permitted blood alcohol level, traffic officers will issue a fine . However, the question arises when this result exceeds 0.60 mg/l of inhaled air, the level above which constitutes a traffic violation .

Is it a crime to exceed the blood alcohol level of 0.60 mg/l while riding a bike?

Article 379 of the Penal Code states that a crime against road safety is committed by "anyone who drives a motor vehicle or moped with an exhaled alcohol level exceeding 0.60 milligrams per liter or with a blood alcohol level exceeding 1.2 grams per liter."

Therefore, exceeding this limit while riding a bicycle does not constitute a traffic violation . Ultimately, you can only be prosecuted for this crime (Article 379) if you are driving a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, in these cases, the penalty will be the maximum administrative penalty , as it is a very serious offense .

Do you get points taken away for throwing that tax while riding a bike?

The answer is no. This is because riding a bicycle doesn't require a specific license , unlike riding a moped or a car. Therefore, even if you have a valid B license, the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) won't be able to deduct points from it if you commit violations while riding a bicycle.

In conclusion, the fine for a blood alcohol level of 0.60 mg/l will be €1,000, as the DGT classifies exceeding the blood alcohol level by more than 0.50 mg/l as a very serious offense. This also applies if you ride an electric scooter.

When will the new blood alcohol level finally come into effect?

In what situations is it mandatory to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle?

The General Traffic Regulations state in Article 118 that "bicycle riders and, where applicable, occupants shall be required to wear approved or certified protective helmets in accordance with current legislation when riding on interurban roads, except on long inclines, or for medical reasons certified as established in Article 119.3, or in extreme heat conditions."

Furthermore, for children under 16 years of age, wearing a helmet is mandatory under all circumstances , even when driving in urban areas, as established by the General Traffic Regulations.