Traffic fines in Spain

The Spanish system of traffic rules for motorists demonstrates substantial differences when compared to the traffic systems of other countries. In Spain, drivers must adhere strictly to the traffic regulations, and the requirements for driving are also elevated. Accordingly, a serious traffic violation may result not only in a large fine, but also in the revocation of a driver’s license and even imprisonment in some cases. The major features of the Spanish traffic system for motorists can be summarized as follows:

• Types of traffic fines in Spain. There is a simple classification system for traffic violations in Spain. The types of violation are minor, major, and very serious. Each of these types presupposes a certain amount of payment for the penalty. Accordingly, minor violations cost about 100 euros on average, major ones cost 200 euros, and very serious violations cost 500 euros or more.
• Another important detail drivers should remember when checking traffic fines in Spain is the system of points. According to the system, initially every driver is assigned a definite number of points (12 points for drivers with experience totaling more than 3 years and 8 points for novice drivers, with a maximum number of points that equals 15 points). If a driver violates a traffic regulation, he or she not only will have to pay a traffic fine, but also will loose some points. Thus, in case of one violation, depending on its severity, one may lose 2 to 6 points. At the same time, this system enables drivers to accumulate points. If for 2 years you are able to preserve all your points, you will be granted two additional points automatically. If you have lost all your points in any time span, the Spanish authorities may revoke your driving license. However, it is possible to recuperate the license after taking a minor theory course in Spanish.
• Special rules for levying the traffic fines. The payment of a traffic fine in Spain within 20 days after the fact of violation enables violators to receive a 50% discount and save some money. On the other hand, should a fine not be paid within 60 days, its amount will increase. In the worst-case scenario, a driver’s property or banking account will be seized. It should be emphasized that the driver in whose name a motor vehicle is registered—NOT necessarily the driver who committed the offense—is the recipient of a traffic fine for violations caused in that vehicle in Spain. Therefore, if the fine payment is ignored and the owner wishes to sell the motor vehicle, a huge sum in fines will have accumulated, rendering the operation void until the fines are repaid.

Traffic fine check and payment in Spain

The most common traffic violation in Spain is speeding. The gradation, based on the severity level of speed limit violations and sanctions adopted in Spain, is as follows:

In addition to traffic fines for speeding in Spain, the following types of penalties also exist:

• Those who drive a motor vehicle without car insurance can be fined up to 1500 euros. Even if the driver does not currently use a car, the fine is still imposed, although at the lower rate of 800 euros.
• One should be extra cautious when parking a car, for a parking violation fine can reach up to 200 euros.
• If an underage family member drives the family vehicle without a driving license, a fine in the amount of 200 euros may be imposed.
• A curious fact is that washing or repairing a car on a city street is one of the most expensive violations and can cost up to 3000 euros.
• If a car does not have its Technical Inspection Certificate, or the certificate is expired, a fine in the amount of 200 euros will be imposed.
• A traffic fine in Spain for ignoring the regulation on the mandatory use of seat belts constitutes 200 euros as well.
• The drunk driving fine is approximately 1000 euros.
• It is strictly prohibited to throw garbage out of a car window. The penalty for littering on the road is about 80 euros.

Another important point is to check for traffic fines in Spain. In the majority of cases, fines are paid on the spot to the police officer who has established the fact of violation and stopped the car. In other cases, fines are sent by mail to the address indicated on the driving license. If you incur a violation and are often absent or travel for prolonged periods of time, we recommended you check for any fines in the special electronic journal called TESTRA (which is accessible from any world location).

You can pay traffic fines in Spain in the following ways: immediately following the violation (on-the-spot) to a police officer, in a bank, in one of the post office branches, or online at the website of the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Spain. (For the latter option, it is necessary to enter all the data indicated on the fine ticket.)