Over 1,000 Intoxicated drivers have been arrested in El Salvador thus far in 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest official data released.
As of June 14, the National Civil Police (PNC) has arrested 1,047 individuals for driving under the influence—123 more than the 924 arrests reported during the same time frame in 2025.
The figures represent a 13.3% increase, based on records from the National Road Safety Observatory.
Salvadoran authorities attribute the rise in Intoxicated Drivers Arrested in El Salvador to enhanced highway safety efforts, including vehicle checkpoints and joint operations led by the Vice Ministry of Transportation (VMT) and the Police Land Traffic Directorate.
The measures have resulted in the removal of an average of 6.3 intoxicated drivers per day throughout 2026.
Officials state that the ongoing crackdown is part of a larger effort to prevent traffic fatalities and decrease alcohol-related incidents on the nation’s highways.
El Salvador is still struggling with a high number of traffic accidents, and a lot of them involve intoxicated drivers. By June 14, 2026, authorities have recorded over 10,500 incidents on the nation’s roads.
As of today’s date, accidents have left 7,207 people hurt and has claimed 670 lives, showing just how badly stricter enforcement and public awareness are needed. Intoxicated driving remains a leading cause of these preventable tragedies.
Tougher Drunk Driving Laws With Stricter Penalties and Longer Jail Terms
Last year, El Salvador rolled out sweeping reforms to its traffic laws, introducing harsher penalties for intoxicated and drug-impaired driving to curb the country’s alarming rate of traffic accidents.
The latest amendments to the Land Transportation, Traffic, and Road Safety Law, backed by the current administration, establish a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and driving.
Previously, drivers could have up to 99 milligrams of alcohol per deciliter of blood before facing penalties. Under the revised law, any detectable amount of alcohol in a driver’s system can result in criminal liability.
Now, drivers considered a danger to public safety may face criminal charges, an automatic suspension of their driver’s license, and a $150 fine. Repeat offenders risk permanently losing their driving privileges.
Additionally, the Penal Code has been updated to impose harsher sentences in fatal crash cases involving impaired drivers.
Offenders behind the wheel of private vehicles now face five to ten years in prison, while those operating cargo or public transport vehicles could receive up to 15 years. Officials say the reforms aim to improve road safety and reduce preventable deaths.
