Drunk driving arrest in Lourdes

A man was arrested in Lourdes for driving under the influence of alcohol and without a valid license during the night. The incident occurred around 1 a.m. when police observed a vehicle behaving erratically, including stopping at a green light and leaving at an orange light, as well as driving without headlights.

Driver’s alcohol level and license status

The driver had a blood alcohol level of 1.1 mg per liter of exhaled air, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.40 mg/l. He also had a canceled driver's license, which made his driving illegal. During the stop, he attempted to switch places with his girlfriend, who was reportedly in the passenger seat.

Driver’s explanation and court response

The man claimed he was driving his girlfriend to the hospital because "she had lost her bridge," but the court dismissed this explanation. He admitted that his actions endangered others. This incident is not isolated; the man had previously been involved in an altercation where he allegedly punched a man and had also injured a young woman in Pau while driving under the influence.

Legal consequences and penalties

The prosecutor highlighted the severity of the case, noting the high number of road fatalities and injuries in France. Driving under the influence with a blood alcohol level above 0.80 g/l can result in up to 3 years in prison and a fine of 9,000 euros. Driving without a license can lead to 1 year in prison and a fine of 15,000 euros.

Court’s final decision

The court sentenced the man to eight months in prison, revoked his probationary suspension, and imposed a one-year ban on driving vehicles without a breathalyzer ignition interlock. The vehicle involved in the incident was also confiscated.