I’m going to make a confession: I’ve gotten hooked on Road Control. One day, YouTube put a 15-minute short video in front of my eyes. The algorithm hit home because right now I am bingeing on a product where the novelty is almost non-existent and is repeated like the worst fast food.
And the surprise with each video is: none. Time and time again, we attend a breathalyzer test where one, two, or several drivers are “caught” under the influence of alcohol. “Have you had anything else?” sounds the voice of the agent on duty, already tired. Then, drug control: another positive and more problems for the unwary.
If the premise has not yet convinced you, let me tell you that from time to time, there are new features. Some drivers have caused an accident and fled, while others skip the breathalyzer test and try to flee. But the end is usually the same: positive for alcohol and/or drugs.
The Alarming Statistics of Drug-Related Penalties
Does it sound repetitive? Yes. But it is true. The data from the DGT shows that in 2025, drug tests were carried out on more than 144,000 drivers. Of those tested, nearly half received a fine for having consumed some type of substance.
The figure is reported by our colleagues from Motorpassion. Last year, the DGT punished 70,717 people for testing positive in an anti-drug test, a response to a parliamentary question from the Popular Party.
Yearly Breakdown of Tests and Sanctions
According to DGT reports, in 2025, a total of 144,346 roadside drug tests were conducted, leading to a staggering 70,717 positive results. This represents almost 50% of those who faced these controls, a significant increase compared to previous years. Here’s a breakdown of data from the last five years:
- 2021: 123,211 tests and 41,067 sanctions.
- 2022: 58,126 tests and 42,103 sanctions.
- 2023: 101,927 tests and 50,002 sanctions.
- 2024: 122,938 tests and 64,314 sanctions.
- 2025: 144,346 tests and 70,717 sanctions.
Consequences of a Positive Test
The fine for failing a drug test is set at 1,000 euros, and six points are deducted from the driver’s license. Additionally, the driver may face a license withdrawal period ranging from one to four years, alongside potential prison sentences of three to six months, and a fine varying from six to 12 months. Community service of 31 to 90 days may also be mandated for those who commit a crime against traffic safety or have been involved in an accident as repeat offenders.
The Legal Framework Surrounding Drug Testing
Unlike alcohol tests, which consider the amount of substance present, drug tests do not factor in the quantity of substances detected. Any trace of a banned substance results in a sanction, which is pivotal because some drugs can remain in the bloodstream for days after consumption.
It’s vital for drivers to understand the implications of these laws, as ignorance is not a defense. The growing number of penalties indicates a concerning trend, calling for more public education and awareness surrounding the dangers of drugged driving.
Photo | DGT