Prior to embarking on a journey, ensure a thorough vehicle inspection: Undetected violations may result in substantial penalties
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As the summer season approaches, many travellers are gearing up for their getaways in Spain. Beyond the usual concerns about speeding, Spain’s traffic police (DGT) are imposing unexpected car fines for everyday items or conditions inside vehicles that many drivers may not realize are illegal[1].
These fines can be surprisingly hefty and include penalties for things like having prohibited or unsafe items in your car, even if they seem harmless or are packed out of habit[1].
Specifically, the DGT prohibits the presence of certain items inside vehicles which can lead to fines if found during roadside checks. While exact items are not exhaustively listed, the implication is that carrying non-compliant or dangerous objects, or having unsecured items that could pose risks in an accident, are among the reasons drivers get fined unexpectedly[1].
Some explicit examples of unexpected fines beyond speeding include:
- Fines for crossing a red continuous line on roads, which is a no-overtaking zone and can cost about €400 plus points deducted from the license[3].
- Penalties related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which are rigorously enforced with tens of thousands of convictions yearly and can lead to fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment[4].
While the sources do not give a complete list of prohibited items, the DGT’s recent focus has shifted toward controlling not only traditional violations but also conditions inside vehicles that impact safety, like carrying loose or disallowed objects, and ensuring all passengers comply with regulations about seatbelts and child restraints[1].
In light of this, it's advisable to secure all items in a vehicle to avoid potential fines and ensure safety on the road. This includes holiday mementos, items such as stickers, and everyday items like a beach ball, loose shopping bag, or a child's scooter.
Radar jammers, a more advanced device, are also considered illegal in Spain and can lead to a potential €6,000 penalty[2]. Radar detectors are completely illegal and can result in a €200 fine[2]. It is advisable to follow speed limits and avoid using such gadgets to avoid fines associated with them.
Before hitting the motorway, do a quick safety audit of your vehicle by chucking out old stickers (unless they're official), leaving any dodgy gadgets at home, and making sure everything is stowed safely. Checking the rules on the DGT website before your next trip could help avoid a lot of hassle and a hefty chunk out of your holiday budget.
Staying safe and smart on the road in Spain includes not only avoiding gadgets or modifications, but also ensuring the safety of everyday items in the vehicle. It's important to not only beat the heat but also to dodge unexpected fines that could put a damper on your getaway in Spain.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2021, July 20). Spain's unexpected car fines: What are they and how much could they cost? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57918442
[2] Spain Travel Info. (2021). Radar detectors and jammers. Retrieved from https://www.spain-info.com/topic/radar-detectors-and-jammers/
[3] Spain Travel Info. (2021). Speeding fines in Spain. Retrieved from https://www.spain-info.com/topic/speeding-fines-in-spain/
[4] Spain Travel Info. (2021). Driving under the influence in Spain. Retrieved from https://www.spain-info.com/topic/driving-under-the-influence-in-spain/
- To prevent unexpected fines while traveling in Spain, it's crucial to understand that unsecured items, such as holiday mementos, loose shopping bags, and children's scooters, are prohibited inside vehicles.
- Appropriate car maintenance, including removing old stickers (unless they're official) and leaving radar jammers and detectors at home, can help drivers avoid potential fines.
- In addition to traditional violations, the Spanish traffic police (DGT) are focusing on controlling conditions inside vehicles that impact safety, including carrying loose or disallowed objects, and ensuring all passengers comply with regulations about seat belts and child restraints.
- Beyond speeding and driving under the influence, other unexpected fines in Spain include penalties for crossing red continuous lines on roads and fines for possessing radar jammers, which can lead to a potential €6,000 penalty.
