10 Spanish Traffic Laws You May Not Be Aware Of
Expat Tips
Published: 05 April 2022 12:42 CET
Updated: 02 May 2025 12:42 CET
Spain, like every modern country, has an extensive set of traffic laws. While most drivers know the basics — speed limits, seatbelt use, and drink-driving rules — many expats and even some locals are unaware of the more obscure regulations. These lesser-known laws can catch you off guard and result in hefty fines or points on your licence. Some of them apply even when you're not driving. To help you stay safe and legal on Spanish roads, here are 10 Spanish traffic laws you may not be aware of.
1. Not Notifying the DGT When You Move Home
If you change your address and fail to notify the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), you could face fines — not for the move itself, but for missing legal notifications, such as traffic penalties. The DGT requires your contact information to be accurate so they can inform you of fines or licence-related updates. You can update your address online, via the miDGT app, or in person at a traffic office. You’ll need your driving licence, vehicle documentation, and a valid padrón (residency certificate).
Change your address with the DGT
2. Not Wearing a Hi-Vis Jacket When Exiting Your Vehicle
Breaking down on a road in Spain? Before stepping out of your vehicle, you are legally required to wear a high-visibility jacket — and so is any passenger who exits. Failure to do so can result in a €200 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence. You are also expected to place warning triangles behind the car unless you're using a V16 beacon, which is now the recommended alternative. The V16 devices are already legal and will be mandatory from January 2026.
What to know about V16 emergency beacons
3. Throwing Objects Out of a Car Window
It’s not just about litter — throwing anything from your car can result in a fine. Cigarette butts, in particular, are heavily penalised due to the high fire risk in Spain. Throwing a lit cigarette can cost you €200 and 4 points. Tossing a plastic bottle or any other item can incur an €80 fine. Spanish road safety rules classify this behaviour as both a risk to other drivers and the environment.
4. Washing or Repairing Your Car in the Street
Many municipalities in Spain prohibit washing or repairing vehicles in public areas. If you're caught doing either in a street or public parking spot, you could be fined between €30 and €3,000 — depending on local laws. This includes basic tasks like oil top-ups or car shampooing. The reasoning often relates to environmental protection, safety, and maintaining public hygiene. If you want to clean or fix your car, do it on private property or in a designated facility.
5. Using Your Mobile Phone at a Petrol Station
Using your mobile phone while refuelling at a petrol station isn’t just bad practice — it’s against the law. If caught, you can be fined €200 and lose 3 points from your licence. It’s also illegal to keep your headlights or engine running while filling up. Even having music playing from your stereo during refuelling can be considered a violation. Always switch everything off before grabbing the pump.
6. Giving Someone an Informal Driving Lesson
In the UK and other countries, it’s normal for learner drivers to practise with a qualified adult. In Spain, it’s strictly forbidden. All driving instruction must be done through a licensed driving school. Giving a friend or relative a lesson in your own car — even in a private area — is illegal and could see you (and the vehicle owner) hit with a fine. If the learner driver causes an incident, it could also create serious insurance complications.
7. Having Dirty or Altered Number Plates
Your number plate must always be clearly visible, clean, and untampered. Even if your car is parked, having a dirty plate can land you with an €80 fine. Attempting to obscure the plate, apply stickers, or alter the numbers or letters in any way is also a fineable offence. Spanish authorities use high-resolution cameras to scan plates automatically, so if yours isn’t legible, it will likely be flagged.
8. Driving with Improper Arm Position or Other Distractions
Resting your elbow out the window may feel relaxing, but in Spain, it’s illegal while driving. Any behaviour that reduces control of the vehicle — including biting your nails, kissing your partner, or even aggressive arguments — can be fined. The standard penalty for this type of distraction is around €100. Both hands should be on the wheel (or ready to be), and your focus must remain fully on the road.
9. Parking on or Near a Beach
Parking near or directly on a beach is prohibited in many coastal regions. While the average fine is around €90, some areas — particularly in environmentally protected zones like parts of Almería — impose fines of up to €30,000 for illegal parking. This includes access roads, sand dunes, and areas without formal parking signs. If in doubt, don’t park — check for signage or ask a local first.
10. Playing Music Too Loud in Your Vehicle
Playing loud music while driving can get you into trouble, especially in designated ‘quiet zones’ such as near hospitals, schools, or residential neighbourhoods. Fines range from €100 to €3,000 depending on the volume and location. If you're disturbing an entire community, you could also be hit with a separate public disturbance fine. Spanish traffic law prioritises safety and peaceful coexistence — and blaring tunes from your car won’t earn you any points, literally or figuratively.
More on loud music laws in Spain
What to Do If You Receive a Fine
If you're issued a traffic fine in Spain, you usually have 20 calendar days to pay it at a 50% discount. You can settle your fine via the DGT website, the miDGT app, by phone, or in person at your local traffic office. Make sure your registered address is up to date so you receive all official communications on time.
Stay Safer with Private Health Cover for Drivers
Many expats overlook the importance of having a health plan that includes cover for traffic-related injuries. Even minor road incidents can result in unexpected medical costs or delays in treatment. That’s why we recommend the Sanitas Top Quantum — ideal for drivers in Spain, with full accident coverage and fast access to private care when you need it most.
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