Drunk Driver Found Asleep at Wheel in Central Palma Prompts Legal Action
Palma Local Police intervened last Sunday morning after receiving multiple reports of a stationary vehicle blocking traffic on Alexandre Rosselló Avenue – a key thoroughfare in Mallorca’s capital. The incident occurred at 7:40 a.m., during what should have been a quiet post-dawn period.
Dangerous Discovery on Palma’s Busy Avenues
Officers arriving at the scene encountered a vehicle with its engine running and windows completely fogged. Inside, they found three occupants fast asleep, including the 28-year-old driver behind the wheel. After awakening the group, police immediately noted clear signs of alcohol impairment in the driver.
A mandatory breath test revealed an alarming result of 0.76 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled air – significantly above Spain’s legal limit of 0.25 mg/l (pre-2025 standards). Police records showed the driver already had previous road safety violations on his record.
Spain’s Stricter DUI Laws Take Effect
This incident highlights the consequences of Spain’s updated traffic safety regulations implemented in 2025. Key changes include:
- Blood alcohol limit reduced from 0.5 g/l to 0.2 g/l (0.25 mg/l to 0.10 mg/l in breath)
- Zero-tolerance policy (0.0 g/l) for drivers under 18 operating any vehicle, including e-scooters
- Enhanced penalties based on violation severity and driving history
According to Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), alcohol contributes to 30% of fatal accidents nationally, prompting these stricter measures aligning with EU safety recommendations.
Graduated Penalties for Impaired Driving
Spain’s current penalty system reflects violation severity:
| Violation Level | Blood Alcohol | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Low Excess | 0.2–0.5 g/l | €500 fine + 4 license points |
| Moderate Excess | 0.5–1.2 g/l | €1,000 fine + 6 points + possible vehicle immobilization |
| Criminal Offense | >1.2 g/l | 3-6 months imprisonment, €2,400-€12,000 fine, 1-4 year license suspension |
Refusing testing carries separate criminal charges with immediate license suspension and potential jail time. The Palma suspect faces summary trial where judges may apply these updated sanctions.
Community Safety Implications
Traffic safety experts emphasize that incidents like this validate Spain’s stricter approach. “Sleep-deprived, intoxicated drivers create catastrophic risk combinations,” notes Dr. Elena Torres, transportation safety researcher at Universitat de les Illes Balears. “The lowered limits reflect current understanding of how minimal alcohol amounts impair reaction times.”
Local police remind drivers that Mallorca’s comprehensive night bus service (TIB NitBus) provides safe alternatives between 10pm-6am, with routes covering most municipalities.
Municipal tow trucks removed the vehicle from the scene, while the accused driver awaits court proceedings that could result in significant fines, driving prohibitions, and potential incarceration under Spain’s updated traffic laws.
Source: Majorca Daily Bulletin Report
Images Credit: www.majorcadailybulletin.com