Driving Licence Points In Spain And How The System Works
Expat Tips
Published: 03 July 2019 11:11 CET
Updated: 13 February 2026 11:11 CET
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. The system is overseen by the DGT, which uses roadside checks and automated cameras to track infringements.
Understanding how the points system works can help you avoid fines, penalties, and long-term restrictions on your driving rights in Spain.
Starting Points
Every driver begins with a different points allocation depending on their experience level. The progression system rewards safe behaviour over time, allowing you to build up a larger buffer against minor infractions.
- New drivers start with 8 points on their licence.
- Drivers with more than 3 years of experience and a clean record move up to 12 points.
- After a further 3 years without losing points, you can reach a maximum of 15 points.
How You Lose Points
Common Infractions
Points are deducted when you commit traffic offences. Many of these are monitored by DGT officers, fixed speed cameras, or mobile enforcement units placed across Spain’s road network.
- Using a mobile phone while driving: 6 points.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: up to 6 points, plus heavy fines and possible driving bans.
- Speeding: 2 to 6 points depending on how far over the limit you are; serious speeding offences usually carry 4–6 points and substantial fines.
- Not wearing a seatbelt or helmet: 4 points.
- Ignoring traffic signals (for example, running a red light): 4 points.
Fines That Might Surprise You
Unexpected Penalties
Not all fines are for obvious offences. Here are some unexpected ways you can lose points or face hefty penalties in Spain:
What Happens If You Lose All Your Points?
If you run out of points, your licence is revoked. This is taken very seriously by the DGT, and driving after revocation is considered a criminal offence in Spain under Article 384 of the Penal Code. This can lead to fines, community service, or even prison sentences in serious cases.
- Wait 6 months (3 months for professional drivers) before you can start the process to get your licence back.
- Take a road awareness and re-education course (24 hours) at an authorised centre.
- Pass a theory test again before a new licence is issued.
How Points Are Deducted Automatically
Many modern penalties are triggered automatically. Speed cameras, belt-detection cameras, and mobile phone detection systems are linked directly to the DGT database. Once an infraction is verified, the system automatically deducts points and sends a notification to the driver’s registered address or their MiDGT digital mailbox.
Many drivers now receive notifications directly in the MiDGT app as well as by post, so it is important to keep your contact details up to date.
How To Recover Points
Course Recovery vs Natural Recovery
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). These courses focus on risk awareness, attitude, and safe decision-making behind the wheel.
If you avoid committing any further offences for 3 years, your points are restored to 12, and if you keep a clean record for another 3 years, you can reach the maximum of 15 points. Maintaining a clean record strengthens your long-term driving profile and reduces the likelihood of future penalties.
New Rules Since 2025
In recent years the DGT has introduced extra measures to reward safe drivers and make sure older motorists are still fit to drive.
- A voluntary “Conducción Segura y Eficiente” course can add 2 extra points to your licence, up to a maximum of 15 points, as long as you already have a positive balance and meet the DGT’s requirements. You can normally benefit from this bonus once every two years, and new drivers with 8 points can reach 10 points immediately after completing an approved course.
- From 2025, the DGT has made medical and cognitive checks more rigorous for drivers renewing their licence from age 65 onwards, with extra attention to eyesight, reflexes and potential neurological or cardiovascular issues. This is to make sure older drivers can continue to drive safely.
How To Check Your Points
You can check your current balance of points easily through official DGT channels:
FAQ
Do foreign driving licences have points in Spain?
EU licences generally follow Spain’s points system once they are registered with the DGT, so points gained or lost in Spain affect your licence record here. Non-EU licences normally do not have Spanish points unless the holder exchanges them for a Spanish licence, but serious offences can still lead to fines and driving bans in Spain.
Can you lose points while driving a rental car?
Yes. Rental companies are obligated to identify the driver to the DGT when an offence is detected, so any points from a camera-detected infringement are deducted from the renter’s licence, not from the company.
How long does it take to recover points automatically?
If you avoid further infringements, points are restored to 12 after a clean period of 3 years, and with continued safe driving you can build up to 15 points over time.
Conclusion
Spain’s points-based driving licence system rewards safe drivers while penalising risky behaviour, making it essential to understand how points are gained, lost, and recovered. Staying informed helps you avoid unnecessary fines, maintain your driving privileges, and remain compliant with DGT regulations in 2026 and beyond.
Because penalties, collisions, and licence issues can all lead to unexpected medical needs, many residents choose to have private health insurance for fast access to treatment. Road-related incidents — even minor ones — can require medical checks, scans, or emergency support, and private healthcare ensures you’re seen quickly.
View our affordable Sanitas health insurance plans — a reliable option if you want fast appointments, English-speaking support, and peace of mind while driving in Spain.
