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Spain Warns Drivers Of €1,000 Fines This Summer

Published

1 day ago

June 14, 2026

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Drink driving in Spain can result in fines of up to €1,000 and the loss of six licence points. Credit : New Africa, Shutterstock

More than 3,800 drivers tested positive for alcohol or drugs during a nationwide DGT enforcement campaign, with traffic authorities detecting an average of more than 500 offenders every day, and with San Juan celebrations and summer getaways bringing millions of extra journeys onto Spain’s roads, traffic authorities are reminding motorists that getting behind the wheel after drinking could cost them up to €1,000 and six licence points.

The warning comes at a time when roads across Spain are preparing for one of their busiest periods of the year.

Summer festivals, long weekends, family visits and beach breaks all mean the same thing for traffic authorities: more cars, more journeys and, unfortunately, a greater risk of serious accidents.

That is why the Guardia Civil and Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic, better known as the DGT, are stepping up checks as the holiday season gets underway. While speeding often grabs the headlines, officials say one of the biggest dangers remains exactly the same year after year: drivers who decide to take the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.

It is a message that has been repeated countless times, yet the latest figures show the problem has not disappeared.

Traffic offences remain a major concern across Spain. According to DGT data, more than 6.1 million road fines were issued nationwide in 2025, a record high for the traffic authority.

Alcohol still plays a major role in fatal crashes

Behind the statistics is a reality that road safety officials are keen to highlight.

According to the latest data, alcohol was present in 12 per cent of traffic accidents recorded in 2024. More strikingly, it was identified as a contributing factor in 28 per cent of fatal crashes, accounting for 273 cases.

For traffic officers, these figures explain why alcohol controls remain such a priority during busy travel periods.

Many drivers still believe they are capable of driving after a drink or two, particularly when they feel fine. Experts have long warned that the effects of alcohol begin well before a person feels intoxicated.

Reaction times slow down. Judgement becomes less reliable. Distances are harder to assess. A split second decision that might normally prevent a collision can suddenly come too late.

That is why road safety campaigns continue to focus on prevention rather than punishment.

How much alcohol is actually allowed in Spain?

One of the most common misunderstandings among drivers is how little alcohol is needed to reach the legal limit.

For novice and professional drivers, the maximum permitted level is 0.15 milligrams per litre of exhaled air.

For everyone else, the limit is 0.25 mg/l.

However, the DGT regularly points out that legal does not necessarily mean safe.

In fact, traffic authorities continue to repeat the same advice whenever major holidays approach: the safest amount of alcohol before driving is none at all.

The situation becomes even more serious when alcohol levels exceed 0.60 mg/l. At that point, the offence is no longer treated as a simple traffic infringement and can become a criminal matter.

Drug use is subject to even stricter rules. Under Spanish regulations, drivers can be sanctioned for the presence of drugs in their system regardless of whether they believe their driving has been affected.

The penalties that could turn a summer celebration into an expensive mistake

For drivers caught breaking the rules, the consequences can be significant. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is classified as a very serious offence in Spain.

Depending on the circumstances, motorists face fines ranging from €500 to €1,000. They can also lose between four and six points from their driving licence.

For many drivers, particularly those who rely on their car for work, losing points can create problems that last far longer than the holiday period itself.

Traffic officers are therefore urging people to plan ahead before heading out to celebrations.

Whether it means choosing a designated driver, booking a taxi, using public transport or simply staying overnight, authorities insist there are always safer alternatives than taking a chance behind the wheel.

The message is especially relevant as Spain enters a period when millions of long distance journeys are expected on roads across the country.

For the Guardia Civil, the goal is not to catch as many drivers as possible. It is to prevent what should be a weekend of celebrations from ending in tragedy.

And with alcohol linked to more than a quarter of fatal crashes, officials say the advice remains as straightforward as ever: if you are drinking, leave the car keys where they are.

Related Topics:Alcohol limits Spain DGT Driving In Spain EuroWeekly Motoring News Noche San Juan Spanish Living

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Drivers in Spain warned: This mistake could cost you €1,000 and six licence points this summer

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Rincon De La Victoria Land Rights – Become A Land Developer For €1

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7 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Adam Woodward

rincon-de-la-victoria-land-rights-–-become-a-land-developer-for-e1

Rincon de la Victoria. Credit: Diputación de Malaga

Property developers and investors can now have the chance to snap up valuable buildable land rights in Rincon de la Victoria through a new online auction starting at symbolic €1.

The auction relaunch follows no bids in the initial round

Specialist platform Escrapalia relaunched the sale of development rights tied to Finca Registral 3219 within sector UR R-3 Los Algarrobos in the Malaga area. Auctioneers originally set the starting auction price last month at just over €33,000 with no offers received. They now value the asset at €63,700 and list it for symbolic bids from €1.

Substantial buildable space awaits the successful bidder

Rights cover more than 360 square metres of floor area dedicated entirely to free housing without any social housing quota. This factor boosts appeal compared to similar zones along the Malaga coastline. The original plot size reached 1,796 square metres and accounted for 2.23 per cent participation in the sector.

Auctioneers handled the land sale through economic reparcelling since it fell short of minimum size for an independent plot of land. Such measures transform the holding into a liquid and transferable asset suitable for various uses.

Urbanisation expenses form a key part of acquisition

The successful bidder will take on proportional urbanisation costs estimated at over €33,700 based on provisional sector accounts. Participants in the auction can apply this right as compensation currency in allocation surpluses or view it as a financial investment linked to final land value.

Bidding window closes early July

The current auction runs until 12.30pm on July 7. If you’re interested, registration on Escrapalia requires an €8,000 guarantee deposit, fully refundable for unsuccessful bidders.

The asset stems from the company liquidation process

Rights originate from the winding up of the company Promociones Barranco y Carrillo under the supervision of the Commercial Court in Cordoba. Potential buyers include promoters seeking to complete buildability on nearby plots, institutional investors focused on low-risk urban assets with strong liquidity, and funds targeting land appreciation across the Malaga metropolitan area.

Sector reaches advanced development stage

The Los Algarrobos area sits in the final urban development phase with an approved urbanisation project and completed environmental procedures. Council officials stand ready to issue building licences immediately. Location north of the A-7 motorway places the zone near established residential communities such as Montesol.

This opportunity delivers a low-entry route into Malaga province property development amid ongoing demand for housing stock in prime coastal locations. Participants benefit from full ownership flexibility and potential for swift project advancement once acquired.

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Cartagena Showcases Its Award-Winning Model For Senior Care As Budget Triples

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Natascha Rivera

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Cartagena expands senior care with fair, services, and major investment. Photo Credit: Mark Timberlake / Unsplash

The Costa Calida city of Cartagena has given a historic boost to its policies in aid of seniors in the municipality with the 16th edition of the Senior Citizens’ Fair, an event that brought together a total of 42 organisations in the Parque de los Juncos. The fair also represents the tripling of the budget for the aid to seniors in the last two years, and this “comprehensive and successful model of active aging” will be presented to the World Health Organisation in San Sebastian as a glowing example of how to help the more elderly residents of the municipality.

A vibrant celebration of senior citizens with everything from health checks to live performances

The 16th Senior Citizens’ Fair, which was open on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, was a vibrant showcase of the resources available in Cartagena for the elderly population. The event featured a strong presence from local neighbourhood associations, women’s groups, senior citizens’ clubs (including those in Perin, El Albujon, Miranda, and Santa Ana), and non-profit organisations, including the Red Cross and Caritas San Diego.

During the weekend, attendees had uninterrupted access to hearing tests, blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and diabetes screenings. The fair’s programme, apart from these health-related initiatives, also included a fun aspect, with demonstrations and workshops, collections for charities, social events, musical performances, and active events.

Active participation to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Additionally, Sunday, June 14 saw a strong social focus to the fair with the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is officially observed on Monday, June 15. Cartagena observed this day with an active hike along the Senior Trail to the Castillo de la Concepcion at 11:30am, as well as a reading of the institutional manifesto to reaffirm Cartagena’s commitment to the well-being and protection of its senior citizens.

Projects to protect senior citizens in Cartagena

In total, the 42 active organisations participating in the Senior Citizens’ Fair boast more than 10,000 members across the Region of Murcia and beyond. These organisations work to prevent and combat senior loneliness, make the digital divide more manageable for seniors, help boost health initiatives, and tackle other problems that disproportionately affect the older residents of the Costa Calida.

One such project is ‘Neighbourhood Neighbour,’ an initiative created to combat unwanted loneliness and which is already operating successfully in areas including the Old Town, San Anton, and El Algar, and will soon reach Pozo Estrecho.

The Cartagena City Council, in total, has exceeded €11 million in its investment to essential services for senior citizens, including home care, respite care, telecare, and day centres.

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Love To Sing Choir Returns For Estepona Charity Concert

Published

8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Adam Woodward

love-to-sing-choir-returns-for-estepona-charity-concert

Love to Sing Choir. Credit: LtS

Love to Sing choir is due to return this summer with a very special performance full of popular songs at one of the most spectacular venues in Estepona. Everyone knows these concerts as extra special occasions on the Costa del Sol calendar, and this June’s performance promises to rank as one of the largest yet. Dedicated hard work by choir members goes towards a cause close to everyone’s hearts in the area as funds raised support the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Estepona (AECC).

Choir performance supports important local cause

Choir members have put in a lot of extra hours of rehearsal to prepare this particular summer evening show. Their efforts now focus on raising money through ticket sales for the charity work of AECC Estepona. This organisation offers support services that make a real difference to patients and their relatives facing the most difficult times. Many residents and visitors look forward to these concerts each year because they combine entertainment with community support.

Evening event details in Estepona

Friday, June 19, sees the concert take place at the outstanding auditorium of Mirador del Carmen on Paseo Marítimo Pedro Manrique in Estepona. Doors open at 7pm with the performance beginning at 7.30pm. The audience can expect an enjoyable programme of well-known songs performed by the talented choir. This venue offers the best setting for the occasion with its location overlooking the sea.

Ticket prices and purchase options

Advance tickets cost a mere €8 while those bought at the door cost €10. Availability remains limited, so early booking makes sense for anyone planning to attend. People can contact Maggie directly or visit the AECC office at Calle Terraza 170 in Estepona and send an email to estepona@contraelcancer.es for details.

Tickets are also available from the Sabinillas Bookshop at Calle Bolivia 12 in Sabinillas on +34 952 89 15 45 and from The Experience Group at Bena Vista 16 in El Paraiso on +34 659 772 448.

Community benefits from choir charity event

Events like this bring people together while directing proceeds to a charity that serves the region like no other. Everyone gains a chance to enjoy music and support a good cause.