Palma Local Police has filed a traffic report for an accident with shared responsibility for the collision between the driver of a car, who was apparently driving without an MOT, and a drunk cyclist. The incident occurred on 3 January at around 6.30 p.m. on the Camí de la Milana. A patrol from the Accident Vehicle Unit (UVAC) was called to the scene of a rear-end collision.
The police investigation determined that the accident was caused by a combination of factors attributable to both parties involved. On the one hand, the cyclist, a 49-year-old Spanish man, tested positive for alcohol with a blood alcohol level of 0.48 mg/l. In addition, he was riding at night without the mandatory lights or reflective elements on a road without public lighting. After the accident, he was taken to a private clinic with minor injuries.
On the other hand, the driver of the car, a 62-year-old Spanish man, tested negative for alcohol. However, he was reported for not paying constant attention while driving and for driving with an unfavourable Vehicle Technical Inspection (ITV) result. Both drivers were administratively penalised for their respective offences and the corresponding traffic report was filed and made available to the insurance companies.
In 2026, Spain maintains strict drinking and driving laws, including a significant reduction in legal limits compared to previous years. Spanish law distinguishes between administrative infractions (fines and points) and criminal offenses (potential jail time and driving bans).
The Guardia Civil and local police conduct frequent, random roadside checks (controles de alcoholemia), especially during summer and holidays. Refusing a breathalyzer test is an independent criminal offense. It can lead to an automatic €1,000–€2,000 fine, immediate license suspension, and potential imprisonment for 6 months to 1 year. Tourists and non-residents must pay administrative fines immediately in cash. Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being impounded. As of 2024–2025, many professional vehicles like buses and large minibuses are required to have alcohol interlock devices