Driving Licence Points In Spain And How The System Works

How Spain’s Driving Licence Points System Works

Since 2006, Spain has used a points-based driving licence system to encourage safer driving and reduce road accidents. Every driver starts with a certain number of points, and these can be lost due to traffic violations. If you lose all your points, you lose your licence.

Starting Points

• New drivers begin with 8 points.
• After 3 years without losing points, you increase to 12 points.
• After another 3 years with a clean record, you can reach a maximum of 15 points.

How You Lose Points

Points are deducted when you commit traffic offences. Common infractions include:

• Using a mobile phone while driving: 6 points
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: up to 6 points
• Speeding: 2 to 6 points depending on severity
• Not wearing a seatbelt or helmet: 4 points
• Ignoring traffic signals: 4 points

Fines That Might Surprise You

Not all fines are for obvious offences. Here are some unexpected ways you can lose points or face hefty penalties in Spain:

• Driving a dirty car – Potential fine of 80 to 200 euros.
• Carrying loose items on the back seat – Can lead to a 200 euro fine if they pose a safety risk in case of braking.
• Honking your horn unnecessarily – Fines range from 80 to 200 euros with possible points deduction.
• Playing loud music – Having music too loud can cost you up to 3,000 euros and penalty points.
• Wearing flip-flops or high heels while driving – This can lead to a 200 euro fine and penalty points.
• Driving with the wrong licence – Using a car licence to tow a trailer or ride a motorcycle beyond your permit’s scope can result in fines and point loss.

What Happens If You Lose All Your Points?

If you run out of points, your licence is revoked. To get it back, you’ll need to:

• Wait 6 months (3 months for professional drivers).
• Take a road awareness and re-education course (24 hours).
• Pass a theory test.

How To Recover Points

If you’ve lost some points but not all, you can regain up to 6 points by attending a DGT-approved course — but only once every two years (once a year for professional drivers).

You can also recover points naturally by not committing any further infractions for 2 years (or 3 years if the offence was serious).

New in 2025

• A new optional course called “Conducción Segura y Eficiente” allows drivers to gain an extra 2 bonus points — only available to those with a clean record.
• Drivers aged 65+ must now pass enhanced medical and cognitive tests when renewing their licence, including reaction time and memory assessments.

How To Check Your Points

You can check your current balance of points:

• Online via the official DGT website
• Using the MiDGT app on your phone

Final Tip: Losing your licence in Spain is not just inconvenient — it can be expensive and time-consuming to fix. Keep an eye on your points and avoid risky driving behaviours.