Spain Updates Fines For Non-Payment Of Toll Fees

Spain’s traffic authorities, the DGT, are continually looking to make the country’s roads safer and drive down the number of fatalities registered each year.

With a number of major modifications to the country’s traffic law due to come into force in March, the government has taken the opportunity to update the list of minor infractions that since December of last year can still mean significant fines for drivers.

In December the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety (18/2021) was modified with new minor infractions modified.

One such infraction is for driving on a toll road and not paying the fee, which can now result in a fine of 100 euros.

Furthermore, any driver who leaves their vehicle at a toll can now also be fined 200 euros.

New Fines From March 2022

Mobile Phone Use

From March, even if you are holding a phone and not using it, you will be fined 200 Euros. Although the fine is the same as before, the number of points has increased from 3 to 6.

Seat belts and helmets

Any drivers found not to be wearing a seat belt will now see a loss of 4 points from their licence compared to the previous 3 points.

The same will apply to those who do not use the correct child restraint or those who ride a motorcycle without a helmet. The fine will stay the same at 200 Euros.

Overtaking of cyclists

Many cyclists are killed on Spanish roads each year and with this, in mind, the sanctions for not maintaining a safe distance of at least 1.5 metres will result in a fine of 200 Euros and the loss of six points compared to the previous four.

Throwing objects out of the window

Any driver caught throwing things out of the window that could endanger other road users or cause a fire will lose six points from their licence as opposed to the previous four.

Leaving the engine running when parked

In some regions, this can also be sanctioned. If the vehicle is parked and you leave the engine running it can be interpreted that it is unnecessarily harming the environment.

Minors and alcohol

Young drivers of any vehicle such as mopeds, light quads and escooters) and who hold an AM class licence, may not circulate with an alcohol level greater than 0, both in blood and in expired air. In this case, sanctions will apply which will be the same as for older drivers.

Low emission zones

A new infraction is introduced under the latest modifications, with a fine of 200 Euros, for not respecting the traffic restrictions within low emission zones.

Cheating on driving examinations

Under the new guidelines, anyone found to be cheating during their driving examinations and theory tests including using unauthorised intercom devices will receive a 500 Euro fine and will not be permitted to resit their test for at least six months.

Sources

https://www.20minutos.es/motor/actualidad/la-nueva-multa-mas-cara-que-te-llegara-a-casa-si-te-saltas-los-telepeajes-4957559/