⚠️This fact has been debunked
This is a persistent urban legend. El Salvador has never had a death penalty for drunk driving. As of December 2024, they have strict zero-tolerance DUI laws with fines, detention, license suspension, and up to 15 years prison for fatalities, but no execution.
In San Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad.
The El Salvador Firing Squad Myth: Debunked
If you've spent any time scrolling through "weird laws" listicles, you've probably encountered this jaw-dropper: drunk drivers in El Salvador face execution by firing squad. It's shocking, memorable, and shared widely across the internet. There's just one problem: it's completely false.
This urban legend has persisted for decades, likely fueled by the fact that El Salvador does have genuinely strict drunk driving laws. But execution? Never happened. Not once. Let's separate fact from fiction.
What the Law Actually Says
As of December 20, 2024, El Salvador implemented one of the world's most stringent DUI laws with zero tolerance for any detectable alcohol in a driver's system. Here's what actually happens if you're caught:
- $150 fine and 72-hour detention in holding cells
- One-year driver's license suspension (first offense)
- 2-5 years prison for standard DUI convictions
- Up to 15 years prison if drunk driving causes a death
- Permanent license revocation for repeat offenders
Harsh? Absolutely. Lethal? Not even close.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The firing squad rumor likely emerged from a combination of factors. El Salvador did have the death penalty for certain crimes until 1983, though never for traffic violations. The country also gained international attention in the 1980s and 1990s for civil war violence and strict law enforcement measures under various governments.
Mix in some sensationalist "crazy laws around the world" content, a game of international telephone, and the fact that El Salvador's DUI laws genuinely are extremely strict, and you've got the perfect recipe for a viral myth. The story is just believable enough to shock people into sharing it without fact-checking.
Why the Real Laws Are Still Noteworthy
While we can put the firing squad myth to rest, El Salvador's actual approach to drunk driving deserves attention. The December 2024 zero-tolerance law is among the strictest in the Western Hemisphere. Even a single drink can land you in handcuffs, facing detention and hefty fines.
For commercial and public transport drivers, the penalties are even steeper: 5-10 years imprisonment for DUI convictions. The government's message is clear—don't drink and drive, period.
So no, El Salvador won't execute you for drunk driving. But if you're planning to visit and enjoy the nightlife in San Salvador, calling a taxi is still very much the smart move.