Traffic fines in Spain

Traffic fines in Spain and how to pay them

If you are travelling through Spain by car, motorhome or moped, you are expected to know the country's traffic rules. Largely, the rules are the same across the EU with a few exceptions. A bigger difference is the fines which can vary from country to country.

The most common fines in Spain for foreigners are those for speeding and parking. But also the use of the mobile phone or operating digital devices (such as the GPS) while driving are increasingly and more severely punished.

If you receive a fine, you will have a 50% discount if you pay the fine on the spot or within a period of 20 days. Please note that not all fines have this preferential rate and repeat offenders do not receive this discount.

If you do not live in Spain but are on holiday there and have broken a traffic rule, you are likely to receive a fine in your home country. The national authorities cooperate and will provide data if Spain requests it. A debt collection agency will also be involved if the traffic offender refuses to pay the fine.

Fines can be paid via the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) online portal or if your municipality works with the SUMA, you can also go there for your traffic fines.

Drivers with the Spanish driving licence can also lose points on the driving licence. The fines start at 100 euros per offence and can quickly rise to 1000 euros with imprisonment and loss of driving licence.