Driver stopped for suspected drink-driving returns with spare key
Tuesday 13th October 2026 on 08:01 in
Austria
A 45-year-old driver stopped by police in Villach for suspected drink-driving returned to the road with a spare key about 45 minutes later, ORF reported.
Police stopped the Croatian national for a traffic check at about 11pm on Monday. He showed clear signs of intoxication but refused both a preliminary breath test and a breathalyser test. Officers provisionally took his driving licence.
Because he could not pay a security deposit, police also took his car key and barred him from driving. Shortly before midnight, they stopped him again in Villach and found he had restarted the car with a spare key. He again refused an alcohol test.
The man will be reported for driving without a licence and for refusing the test again. Police took the spare key and secured the car with a wheel clamp.