Driving Fines in Spain: Complete Guide to Traffic Penalties (2026)

Few things ruin your day like receiving that official pink letter. The postman makes you show your ID and sign, confirming you've been caught breaking the rules. I just received my first fine (actually four on the same day), and while mine turned out to be an administrative error, the process of dealing with it taught me everything about how Spanish traffic fines work.

Whether you've been caught speeding, parked in the wrong place, or received a mysterious fine from a rental car company months after your holiday, this guide explains exactly what to do.

How to Check for Driving Fines Online

The easiest way to check for fines is through the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) website or the official miDGT app.

Online options:

• DGT Official Website
• Sede Electrónica (national electronic administration)
• miDGT app (iOS and Android)

You can search using:

• Your DNI/NIE (Spanish ID number)
• Vehicle registration number
• Digital certificate (if you have one)

Spain also publishes outstanding fines on the Tablón Edictal Único (TEU), essentially a public noticeboard for traffic sanctions. If a fine is listed, you'll see the date, location, and reason.

How to Pay a Fine (and Get 50% Off)

Most Spanish traffic fines come with a 50% discount if paid within 20 calendar days of notification. This is significant: a €200 fine becomes €100, a €600 fine becomes €300.

Payment options:

• DGT Online Payment Portal
• Your city's Ayuntamiento (council) website
• Spanish banks (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA) via ATM or online using the reference number
• In person at the issuing authority

How to Appeal a Fine

You have 20 calendar days from notification to submit an appeal (alegación).

Where to appeal:

• Municipal fines (parking, ZBE zones): Your Ayuntamiento's mobility office or online portal
• Traffic fines (speeding, drink-driving): DGT website

Tips for appealing:

1. Keep digital copies of your appeal and confirmation receipts
2. Provide clear evidence (photos, receipts, registration documents)
3. For ZBE (low emission zone) fines, check if you were fined during a grace period
4. Ask about grouped appeals if you received multiple fines for the same issue

In my case, I had forgotten to register my car for my residential zone. Four fines later, I was able to appeal them all together once I provided proof of registration.

Spanish Speeding Fines

Speeding is the most common reason tourists receive fines. Spain has fixed speed cameras, mobile radar units, and average speed cameras on many roads.

Speed Limits in Spain

Speeding Fines by Amount Over Limit

Fines depend on how much you exceed the limit and the type of road:

Radar tolerance: Cameras have a margin of error.

On roads up to 90 km/h, you can be fined when driving more than 7 km/h over the limit. On roads 100 km/h or above, the margin is 7%.

The Spanish Points System

Spain operates a points-based licence system. Drivers start with 12 points (8 points for new drivers in their first 3 years).

What happens if you lose all 12 points:

• Licence is revoked
• You must complete a rehabilitation course
• You must retake your driving tests
• Reinstated drivers start with only 8 points

For tourists with foreign licences, points aren't deducted, but fines still apply. Serious offences can result in immediate licence confiscation and criminal charges.

Drink-Driving Fines

Spain has strict alcohol limits, lower than many other countries.

Penalties for Drink-Driving

Other Common Fines

Parking Fines in Spain

Parking is where most people get caught, locals and visitors alike.

Pavement markings:

• Blue lines: Pay-and-display (zona azul). You need a ticket from a machine.
• Green lines: Resident parking (some cities). May need a permit.
• Yellow lines: No parking at any time.
• White lines: Free parking (but check for time limits or restrictions).

If your car is towed, you'll need to pay the fine plus towing fees (€100-150) plus storage fees (€20-50/day) at the depósito municipal (impound lot).

Low Emission Zone (ZBE) Fines

Many Spanish cities have introduced ZBE (Zona de Bajas Emisiones) restrictions. If your vehicle doesn't meet emissions standards, you may be fined for entering these zones.

Cities with active ZBE:

• Barcelona
• Madrid (Madrid 360)
• Valencia
• Seville (partial)
• Others being introduced

ZBE fine: Typically €200 (€100 with early payment discount)

Check your vehicle's emissions label (etiqueta ambiental) before driving in major cities. Rental cars usually have the label on the windscreen.

Rental Car Fines

If you receive a fine while driving a rental car, here's what happens:

1. The rental company receives notification (they're registered as the vehicle owner)
2. They charge an admin fee to your card (€20-50 typically)
3. They pass your details to the authorities or charge the fine directly
4. You receive the fine by post or email, sometimes months later

How to avoid surprises:

• Check the DGT website after your trip
• Monitor your credit card for unexpected charges
• Keep your rental agreement and return documents

Fines for Tourists and Non-Residents

If you're stopped by police as a tourist, they can demand on-the-spot payment for traffic fines. This applies especially to non-EU drivers.

What to expect:

• Police may escort you to an ATM or bank
• You can pay by card or cash
• If you can't pay immediately, the vehicle may be immobilised

EU cross-border enforcement: Unpaid fines in Spain can follow you home if you're from another EU country. The EU has agreements to share fine data and pursue payment across borders.

Official Resources