If you drive a vehicle, you're probably interested in knowing the most common traffic fines and how to avoid them. Traffic fines are administrative sanctions imposed for violating traffic regulations, which affect your wallet and your driver's license.
In this article, we'll explain the most common traffic violations in Spain and their consequences. We'll also give you some tips on how to prevent them and drive safely and responsibly.
Common traffic fines
Speeding
Speeding tickets are the most common type of fine in Spain. In fact, they often represent the largest percentage of fines issued and are the reason why there are so many fixed and mobile speed cameras on the roads. The penalty depends on how much you exceeded the permitted limit . It can range from 100 euros without losing points to 600 euros with the loss of 6 points . Furthermore, if you exceed the speed limit by more than 60 km/h on urban roads or more than 80 km/h on interurban roads, you may commit a traffic safety offense and face imprisonment or community service. To avoid this fine, it's best to always respect the established speed limits and pay attention to the signs that indicate them.Expired MOT
The fine for driving with an expired MOT is the second most common fine in Spain. The MOT is the Technical Vehicle Inspection ( ITV ) and serves to verify that the vehicle meets the minimum technical conditions for circulation. The fine is 200 euros, with no loss of points . If you drive with a failed MOT (the vehicle has serious defects that must be corrected), the fine is also 200 euros . But if you drive with a negative MOT (the vehicle has very serious defects that prevent it from being driven), the fine amounts to 500 euros and the vehicle may be immobilized . To avoid this fine, you must pass the MOT (Inspection of Vehicle) when appropriate for your vehicle, depending on its age and type. You must also always display the MOT sticker on the windshield and the positive report in the vehicle.Driving without compulsory insurance
The fine for driving without compulsory insurance is the third most common fine in Spain. Compulsory insurance covers the driver's civil liability for damages caused to third parties with the vehicle. The fine for driving without compulsory insurance is very high: 1,500 euros for cars and 1,000 euros for motorcycles. Furthermore, the vehicle can be immobilized and taken to a municipal impound lot, which represents an additional cost for the driver. To avoid this fine, you must purchase mandatory vehicle insurance and renew it annually. You can compare different offers and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. Remember to always carry your insurance payment receipt in the vehicle and proof of the policy.Other common fines
In addition to the three most common fines we've seen, there are other violations that are also frequently reported on Spanish roads. Some of them are:- Driving without a license : either because you don't have one, because you forgot it at home, or because it's been taken away. The fine can be 100 euros, 500 euros with the loss of 4 points, or even a crime punishable by imprisonment or community service.
- Not wearing a seat belt : Both the driver and passengers must always wear their seat belts, except in justified cases. The fine is 200 euros with the loss of 3 points.
- Using a cell phone while driving : This behavior distracts attention and increases the risk of an accident. The fine is 200 euros with the loss of 3 points.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs : This behavior impairs the driver's physical and mental abilities and endangers road safety. The fine can range from €500 with the loss of 4 or 6 points to €1,000 with the loss of 6 points. It can also be a crime punishable by imprisonment or community service.
- Parking illegally : whether in a prohibited zone, double parking, in a blue zone without a ticket, or in a green zone without a sign. The fine varies by municipality, but usually ranges from 60 to 200 euros.
- Failure to obey traffic signs : whether vertical, horizontal, or illuminated. For example, running a red light, failing to respect the right-of-way, failing to maintain a safe distance, or changing lanes without signaling. The fine can range from 100 euros without losing points to 200 euros with the loss of 4 points.
- Misusing your lights : either by not turning them on when required, by dazzling other drivers, or by not using the correct lights for weather or ambient conditions. The fine can be 80 euros with no loss of points, or 200 euros with the loss of 3 points.
- Failure to identify the offender : When the vehicle owner fails to inform the DGT who was driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. The fine may be double the original amount or a specific penalty depending on the type of violation.
