How Do I Know If A Traffic Fine In Spain Is Fake?
Expat Tips
Published: 13 December 2022 14:27 CET
Updated: 08 October 2025 16:27 CET
From time to time, we hear of many online scams, however, those looking to exploit others do not solely rely on the internet.
Recently, there have been cases of cars in the Carabanchel area of Madrid having fake penalty notices placed on their windscreens with text like this below:
In 2025, Spanish police and councils continue to warn about these scams, which often use QR codes and fake notices to trick drivers into paying online—sometimes stealing banking info or gaining access to your phone. Real fines in Spain are never issued via QR code, SMS, or email links left on vehicles, and will not ask for payment through unofficial websites.
Many will panic and just look to pay the fine as quickly as possible to receive a discount on the amount due, which is usually 50%. Scammers take advantage of this by creating urgency, making victims rush into scanning QR codes or entering bank details online.
The City Council warned drivers not to pay the fine or scan the QR code placed on the tickets.
They also reminded drivers that any penalty notices imposed by agents are always sent by registered mail or via the Electronic Road Address [DEV] system. If they cannot deliver by post, fines are published on official noticeboards ([TESTRA] for DGT, [TEU] for local authorities). Any fine presented in another way is most likely fraudulent.
If you receive a suspicious ticket:
- Never scan QR codes left on your windscreen.
- Never enter personal or banking data into unofficial sites, SMS, or email links about fines.
- If you already did, immediately contact your bank and report the scam to the police or INCIBE (Spanish cyber hotline).
- Keep the physical ticket or screenshot as evidence if needed.
Knowing whether a traffic fine is legitimate or just a ploy to get you to part with your money will mean that you are well-armed and not prone to be easily scammed. Read each notification carefully, check official details and reference numbers, and verify via DGT or local council before reacting.
Tips to recognise a fake penalty notice
Below we cover the things a legitimate traffic fine should contain and of which are included in article 87 of the traffic law.
- Traffic fines are never placed on your windscreen. You will always be notified via registered letter, DEV electronic address, or published on an official noticeboard if undeliverable by post.
- QR codes and direct payment links are never used by the authorities.
- Penalty notices will always include the identity of the vehicle that caused the infringement.
- The identity of the driver will be used if known.
- There will be a brief description of the infringement including the place, date, and time it occurred.
- The name, address, and details of those issuing the penalty, including the identification number of the officer.
Typical red flags include poor spelling, missing vehicle registration or file numbers, and payment instructions to unofficial sites. If any of these are missing, it's likely a scam.
Note that fines can come in different formats and will depend on the infraction and the department that issues it. For example, an administrative or parking infraction is not the same as a sanction issued by the DGT.
However, despite these differences, the following is data you would expect to see contained in such fines.
- The penalty fine reference number that identifies the infraction.
- Driver data including licence plate and make and model of vehicle.
- Place, date, and time of the violation.
- Amount to pay.
- Details of which article of the General Traffic Regulations has been violated.
- Loss of points if applicable.
- Photo of the vehicle if taken by a speeding camera.
How to appeal a real fine
If you dispute a real fine, file an appeal within 20 calendar days of notification. Be aware that appealing forfeits the 50% early payment reduction. All appeals must be submitted with new information or evidence, and further objections can be brought before the administrative authority or via the courts.
Where to check for any outstanding penalty notices
So now you know that fines, whether from the local authorities or the DGT traffic department, are never issued by leaving them on your windscreen.
So what’s the best way to check for any outstanding fines?
The most reliable method is to check either the TESTRA (DGT) or the TEU (Other fines issued by local authorities). You can also register with DEV so that you are notified if a fine is issued. This is particularly important if you move home often and forget to update your new contact details with the DGT.
To find out how to update your details with the DGT and other government agencies visit our page - How to easily change your address with the Spanish authorities.
- TESTRA (El Tablón de Edicttales de Fines de Tráfico) - The electronic notice board of the DGT.
- TEU (Tablón Edictal Único del BOE) - Edictal board of the BOE used by public administrations to notify citizens or companies of any administrative decisions that may affect them such as traffic related fines.
- DEV (Electronic Road Address System) - DEV is an electronic mailbox where you can be notified of any fines. Notifications can be via email and/or text message. Note from November 1, 2022, companies/legal entities will need to use the DEV system as paper fines will not be sent via post.
Further details on all of these services can be found at the official DGT page here.
Bottom line:
If in doubt, destroy the false ticket, never scan a QR code, never pay via a printed web link, and always check using official channels or contact your local police/council directly.
Stay safe on and off the road.
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