Am I allowed to drive a car in a foreign country with an alcohol or drug violation?
May 16, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Hildegard Falk
Dear traffic law attorney,
My name is Nina Werner and I have a question regarding driving abroad after an alcohol or drug offense. I recently got into a traffic control in Spain and it turned out that my blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. I was then fined on the spot. Now I am wondering if I am still allowed to drive legally in Spain or if I may face a driving ban.
I am worried that my German driver's license may no longer be valid in Spain or that I could even lose my license in Germany. I rely on my car for work and I want to make sure that I do not have to fear any serious consequences.
Can you please explain to me what regulations apply to alcohol and drug offenses in traffic abroad and what consequences I may be facing now? Are there any ways to avoid my driving ban or to keep my license? I would be very grateful for your legal assessment and possible solutions.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Nina Werner
Dear Mrs. Werner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding driving abroad after a violation involving alcohol or drugs. It is understandable that you are concerned and would like clarity on the possible consequences of your violation in Spain.
In general, the traffic regulations of the country where the violation occurred apply. This means that you must adhere to Spanish laws when driving there. In Spain, the blood alcohol limits for driving are stricter than in Germany, so it is possible that you may have already received a fine and possibly a driving ban in Spain for exceeding the German limit.
With regards to your German driver's license, you are required to report all traffic violations committed abroad, including alcohol or drug violations, in Germany as well. Usually, a report is then sent to the relevant German authority, which may take further action depending on the severity of the violation. This could result in a driving ban in Germany and in the worst case scenario, even the revocation of your driver's license.
However, there are ways to avoid your driving ban or retain your driver's license. One option could be to participate in a seminar for drivers with alcohol-related offenses. This seminar can help prevent a looming driving ban. It is advisable to consult with a specialized traffic law attorney in a timely manner to discuss your individual situation and work out possible solutions.
I strongly recommend you to contact a traffic law attorney promptly to clarify your rights and options, and to develop a suitable strategy for defending your driver's license. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be beneficial to involve an attorney in Spain to clarify the legal aspects on site.
I hope that my response helps you and wish you success in dealing with this difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Hildegard Falk
Traffic Law Attorney
