You've probably wondered at some point whether eating and drinking while driving is prohibited . Perhaps you've gotten hungry or thirsty on a long trip and thought about taking advantage of a stoplight or a straight road to satisfy your appetite. Or maybe you've seen other drivers doing it and have been outraged by their recklessness. Either way, the answer isn't as simple as it seems. Driving is an activity that requires your full attention and concentration . However, sometimes you may be tempted to eat or drink something while behind the wheel, whether out of hunger, thirst, or just out of habit. Is this legal? What risks does it entail? What do the regulations say about it? In this article, we'll tell you everything.
What does the law say about this?
Although the current law does not specifically prohibit consuming food or drinks while driving, this does not imply that it is authorized or advisable. On the contrary, it causes distraction and reduces the ability to react to an unexpected event . Article 18.1 of the General Traffic Regulations establishes that drivers are obliged to maintain their freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and constant attention to driving, ensuring their own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle, and that of other road users. Therefore, any action that interferes with these obligations may be grounds for a penalty . Furthermore, Article 17.1 of the same regulation indicates that drivers must be able to control their vehicles at all times. To do this, they must be able to hold the steering wheel with both hands, something difficult to do if one of them is holding food, a drink, or any other object.
Fine for eating while driving
The fine doesn't depend so much on the act of eating itself as on how it affects driving. If you eat a sandwich while driving on the highway and it forces you to take both hands off the wheel or cause you to enter the oncoming lane on a curve, for example, the officer can fine you up to 200 euros for failing to maintain control of the vehicle. It doesn't entail losing points , but the amount is not insignificant.
If food causes you to take your eyes off the road or make an irregular maneuver, the infraction is perfectly applicable.
Fine for drinking and driving
The same thing happens with drinks. Especially in summer, it's very common to carry a bottle of water in the car and drink during the journey. But opening the cap, tilting your head back, or simply holding the bottle in one hand can be interpreted as a distraction if, during those seconds, you lose some control of the car.
In these cases, the fine can range from 100 to 200 euros , depending on the severity of the situation, although it does not entail the loss of points . If another violation also occurs (such as running a red light or braking suddenly), the fine could be even higher.
The best thing to do if you need a drink, a meal, or just a moment to unwind is to stop in a safe area. You'll avoid a possible fine and, above all, reduce unnecessary risks.
What are the consequences of eating or drinking while driving?
Drinking or eating in the car has negative consequences for both safety and your wallet. On the one hand, it increases the risk of having or causing an accident , as it means taking your eyes off the road, taking your hand off the wheel, and losing concentration. On the other hand, it can lead to a fine if you are caught by a traffic officer. The amount of the fine will depend on the officer's discretion and the severity of the violation. If it is considered a minor violation, the fine will be 80 euros , which can be reduced to 40 euros if paid within the first 20 calendar days . If it is considered a serious violation, the fine can be as high as 200 euros and entails the loss of points on your license .
Risks of eating or drinking in the car
Beyond the potential penalties, eating and drinking while driving poses risks to your safety and that of others that shouldn't be ignored. According to various studies, eating or drinking while driving increases the risk of an accident by 60% to 80%, as it reduces your ability to react to unexpected events, diminishes peripheral vision, and forces you to take your hand off the wheel .
What effects does it have on attention?
Eating or drinking while driving is a distraction that affects three types of attention: manual, visual, and cognitive . Having to hold food or a drink with one hand causes you to lose control of the vehicle and cannot maneuver quickly and accurately. Because you have to watch what you're eating or drinking, you take your eyes off the road and miss out on relevant information about your surroundings. You focus on thinking about what you're eating or drinking, your concentration on driving decreases, and you're unable to anticipate potentially dangerous situations.
How to avoid eating or drinking while driving?
The best way to avoid drinking or eating while driving is to plan your trips well and make the necessary stops to rest and recharge. It's recommended to stop every two hours or every 200 kilometers , taking the opportunity to stretch your legs, hydrate, and eat a light meal. It's also important to avoid driving while hungry or thirsty, as this affects your physical and mental state. Therefore, it's a good idea to eat something before starting your trip and always carry a bottle of water in the car in case you become dehydrated. If for some urgent reason you need to eat or drink in the car , it's wisest to do so when the vehicle is stopped in a safe place, such as a service area, a parking lot, or a hard shoulder marked with an emergency warning triangle. This way, you'll avoid endangering yourself and others.
What is Help Flash and how can it help you?
Help Flash is a lighting device that allows you to signal your vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident without having to get out of the car or place the emergency triangle. It is a system approved and recommended by the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic). Starting January 1, 2026, the use of V-16 beacons connected to the traffic platform will be mandatory to signal a stopped vehicle on the road, whether due to a breakdown or an accident. Help Flash emits a light visible from over a kilometer away and in 360 degrees, increasing the safety and visibility of your vehicle. It also has a battery life of over two and a half hours and is water and shock resistant. The emergency car light is an ideal complement to your road safety , as it allows you to save time and avoid unnecessary risks. You can purchase it on our official website or at any authorized point of sale. Don't wait any longer and get yours.
Conclusion
Eating and drinking while driving is not expressly prohibited by law, but it is punishable if it is considered to affect freedom of movement, field of vision, or continued attention to driving. It also increases the risk of accidents and compromises your safety and that of others. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating or drinking while driving and take necessary breaks to rest and hydrate. And if you need to signal your vehicle in an emergency, it is best to use HelpFlash, the luminous device that allows you to do so without getting out of the car or placing the warning triangle. This way, you will travel more safely and calmly.
