Paying Traffic Fines In Spain
Expat Tips
Published: 19 June 2019 15:21 CET
Updated: 05 May 2025 15:21 CET
Whether you're a tourist on holiday or a resident expat navigating life in Spain, understanding how traffic fines work is crucial. From unexpected speed camera tickets to on-the-spot roadside payments, Spanish traffic enforcement can be strict — especially if you're unfamiliar with local rules. This updated guide answers the most common questions about paying traffic fines in Spain in 2025 and how to stay compliant with the law.
What Can You Be Fined For?
Spanish traffic laws cover everything from the obvious to the obscure. Some of the more common — and lesser-known — infractions include:
- Speeding (including low-over-limit radar triggers)
- Not wearing seat belts or helmets
- Double parking or parking too close to junctions, crossings, or on yellow lines
- Using a mobile phone or headphones while driving
- Smoking, using your phone or radio at a petrol station
- Driving barefoot or with flip-flops (technically “unsafe driving”)
- Failing to yield, ignoring stop signs, or running red lights
- Using incorrect lights in tunnels or during poor visibility
- Driving through ZBE (low-emission zones) without permission
- Washing your car in the street or letting your arm hang out the window
- Leaving the scene of a minor accident
- Driving without a valid or correct licence
- Failing to update your DGT registration after moving
Even a dirty or illegible number plate can cost you €80. The message is clear: small mistakes can carry steep penalties.
How Are Fines Issued?
If you’re a resident, fines will be sent to your last known address registered with the DGT. That’s why keeping your details up to date is essential. Missed notifications can escalate quickly — including automatic bank embargoes or registration holds.
If you’re not a resident, fines can be issued on the spot. Guardia Civil traffic officers have the authority to demand immediate payment — and can escort you to your accommodation, a nearby ATM, or even your rental company.
Rental car drivers may receive notices via the rental company. Expect an admin fee plus a direct penalty from the DGT once they pass your details on.
Cross-Border Enforcement Still Applies
The EU directive 2015/413 remains active. It allows Spanish authorities to identify and fine drivers from other EU member states — even after they’ve left the country. This includes speeding, drink-driving, mobile use, and running red lights.
How Much Are Traffic Fines in 2025?
Fine amounts depend on the seriousness of the infraction. Here’s a breakdown:
- Speeding: €100 to €600 and up to 6 points
- Drink/drug driving: €500 to €1,000 and 4 to 6 points
- Using a mobile phone: €200 and 3 points
- No seatbelt/helmet: €200 and 3 points
- Endangering cyclists or pedestrians: up to €1,000 and licence loss
New DGT monitoring systems (like drones and AI-driven radar) mean these fines are being issued more often — and with greater accuracy. You can view the full, updated list of sanctions here.
What About Speeding Penalties?
Below is a typical scale of speeding fines as of 2025:
Fines may vary slightly by region, but if you exceed the limit by more than 60 km/h in cities or 80 km/h on highways, the violation becomes a criminal offence. That can mean court appearances, community service, licence suspension of up to 4 years, or even prison sentences in extreme cases.
Penalty Points System in Spain
Spain uses a points-based driving licence system. Every driver starts with 12 points. Here’s how you can lose them:
- 6 points: Refusing a breath test, reckless driving, extreme speeding
- 4 points: Running red lights, dangerous overtaking, moderate drink-driving
- 3 points: Unsafe distance, using a mobile, failing to wear safety gear
- 2 points: Lesser infractions like incorrect parking or lighting
If you lose all your points, your licence is revoked. You’ll need to complete a 30-hour driver rehabilitation course and retake the theory and practical exams. Upon reinstatement, you’ll start again with only 8 points.
Do You Get a Discount for Early Payment?
Yes — and it's worth it. If you pay within 20 calendar days of receiving the fine, you get a 50% discount. After 45 days, the fine is handed to Spain’s Tax Agency and subject to a 20% surcharge.
How to Pay a Traffic Fine in Spain (2025 Methods)
There are now five main ways to pay:
- Online (with digital ID): Via the DGT website
- Online (without digital ID): Use the no-login portal here
- In person: Pay at a provincial DGT traffic office (card only)
- Via CaixaBank: In cash at a branch
- Bank transfer (especially for foreign drivers):
Bank details for non-residents:
- IBAN: ES11 2100 5731 710200203821
- SWIFT: CAIXESBBXXX
- Reference: Must include your fine/sanction ID
- Recipient: Central Traffic Headquarters – Foreign Sanctions
How to Appeal a Fine
If you disagree with a fine, you have 20 days to appeal. Submit your evidence via:
- Online: DGT appeal portal
- Fax: +34 902 512 151
- Post: CTDA, Apartado de Correos 505, León 24080, Spain
Note: appealing waives your right to the 50% early payment discount.
Can You Check If You Have Outstanding Fines?
Yes. Use the DGT's online bulletin board (TEU). It allows you to search for fines issued in your name even if a letter never reached you.
What If You Don’t Pay?
Failing to pay a fine can lead to serious consequences:
- Bank account embargoes
- Vehicle immobilisation or confiscation
- Fines doubling or tripling in cost
- Licensing or registration freezes
For minor offences, the statute of limitations is 3 months; for serious ones, it extends to 6 months. But don’t count on expiry — most fines are followed up.
Still Have Questions?
Contact DGT directly:
- Phone: +34 987 010 559
- Monday–Friday: 8:00–22:00
- Saturday: 8:00–15:00
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