Overview
- Argentina’s road-safety agency reported 97 alcohol-positive drivers after checking 5,220 vehicles at 39 points, issuing 163 citations and retaining 102 licenses.
- In Buenos Aires City, 5,394 tests found 30 positives for a 0.47% positivity rate, down from 0.83% a year ago; 11 cases exceeded 1 g/l, 19 measured 0.5–0.99 g/l, and the highest was 1.74 g/l.
- Extreme readings nationally included 1.83 g/l in Caucete (San Juan), 1.66 in Gualeguaychú, 1.57 in Wanda, 1.49 in Bariloche and 1.47 in Las Grutas.
- City procedures include immediate license retention, towing and escalating fines or disqualifications tied to alcohol level; limits are 0.5 g/l for private motorists, 0.2 for motorcyclists and zero for novices and professionals.
- Checkpoints used the WHO-endorsed funnel method to slow traffic and protect staff, and police released videos highlighting drivers’ excuses as a deterrence message, with controls continuing through December 25 and over New Year’s.