- The DGT intensifies alcohol, speed, and drug controls in the summer.
- We warn against the danger and illegality of sharing checkpoint locations in WhatsApp groups.
- Special operation with increased surveillance, drones, radars, and information panels.
- Call for responsibility and not to use networks to evade controls.
The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has issued a clear warning for this summer: using WhatsApp groups to share information about the location of alcohol and drug checkpoints is an irresponsible and extremely dangerous practice. At the height of the summer travel season, when record numbers of journeys are expected, authorities are emphasizing the importance of individual and collective responsibility on the road.
With over 100 million journeys expected across Spain's road network during July and August, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) has deployed a special operation to reinforce alcohol, speed, and drug checks , as well as to pay particular attention to motorcyclists, short journeys, and conventional roads. However, the agency is also focusing on the added danger posed by the dissemination of checkpoint information via instant messaging applications.
WhatsApp groups and DGT checks: What risks do they entail?
WhatsApp groups and social media platforms that share the locations of police checkpoints proliferate during the summer. According to the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic), these alerts are not only inconsiderate towards other drivers, but can also become a dangerous tool : they allow people under the influence of alcohol or drugs to evade checkpoints and continue driving, with the consequent risk to everyone. Road safety is a shared responsibility , and these kinds of practices contribute to jeopardizing it, as the Minister of the Interior has pointed out. You can learn more about how to manage your WhatsApp group to avoid these risks here.
“Holidays, driving, and alcohol should not be combined ,” stated the Interior Minister, who insisted that alcohol consumption by the driver was detected in 29% of fatal accidents . Alerting people about checkpoints via WhatsApp could trigger an accident, as it makes it easier for those who shouldn't be driving to avoid them.
The DGT's position on WhatsApp control notices
The official message is unequivocal: besides being unethical, this behavior can constitute an offense. Although sharing information about checkpoints might be considered freedom of expression, the authorities remind the public that penalties can be imposed if the warnings hinder police work or incite crimes, such as driving under the influence of prohibited substances. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) and the Guardia Civil (Spanish Civil Guard) monitor these groups, especially during the summer campaigns, when the number and location of checkpoints increase.
Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska has described this practice as "selfish and risky ," urging citizens not to contribute to spreading information that could endanger lives. Learn how to better manage your WhatsApp groups and avoid this irresponsible behavior in our guide.
Reinforced controls and technological surveillance
During the summer months, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) activates thousands of alcohol and drug checkpoints at beach access points, on secondary roads, and at accident-prone locations. The operation utilizes over 2.000 surveillance cameras, drones, Pegasus helicopters, mobile speed cameras, and real-time information systems to detect infractions and improve road safety. The work of the Guardia Civil (Spanish Civil Guard) and the use of advanced technology make it increasingly difficult to avoid a checkpoint, thus increasing the danger. For more details on how these technologies are implemented, please consult our guide.
Furthermore, regulations could be tightened in the coming months with a reduction in the maximum permitted blood alcohol level for drivers, setting it at 0,2 grams per liter of blood. Several proposals in Congress support this same measure, and the administration will have less tolerance for such behavior.
A key summer for road safety
With millions of journeys expected and a special alert for short trips and weekends, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) is calling for caution . It emphasizes that public cooperation is essential to preventing tragedies. Avoiding the dissemination of information about checkpoints is an act of solidarity and respect for life, since after every accident, the most important thing is that everyone arrives safely at their destination.
