1.7% of random alcohol and drug tests carried out by Guardia Civil officers in the weeks before Christmas turned out positive.
Over 168,000 random tests were done, and 1,606 drivers tested positive for alcohol, while 1,348 were discovered to be under the influence of drugs. Cannabis was the most common drug, with cocaine and amphetamines following.
Drivers who test positive will lose points on their licence and face a summary fine. However, 250 motorists will be taken to court for serious infractions.
The alcohol limit in Spain, 0.5 mg/ml in blood, is significantly lower than the 0.8 limit in the UK.
