New traffic laws in Spain

On the 9th of May Spain introduced some significant new traffic laws which we’d like to tell you about.

One of the new law purposes is to harmonize Spain with the rest of the EU countries and that all EU countries should exchange information and cooperate on road safety, traffic violations and fines.

The law is putting especially emphasis on cooperation and exchange of information so that traffic offences committed by an EU citizen in another EU country will be easier for the Spanish Traffic  Authority to charge as for instance with speeding fines.

Another important aspect for foreign residents is that one’s private car must now be registered on Spanish plates.  Previously there was a gap in the legislation which made it difficult to charge fines to foreign residents when their car was registered with foreign number plates.  This amendment will come into force during the month of June.

You’ll find the other changes here:-

Drinking and driving:  The fine remains at 500 euros and the driver will lose 6 points however if the driver is double or over the permitted level or if it is a repeated offence of driving under the influence of alcohol then the offender will be charged 1.000euro. (0.50mg/l is maximum alcohol permitted).

Drugs and driving: It is no longer necessary to prove that the consumption of drugs influence on driving as there is zero tolerance of drug use. The fine will be of 1000 euros and the driver will lose 6 points.

It is obligatory to participate in alcohol or drug test whether you are a pedestrian or as driver and as compulsory it is no longer necessary that there has been an accident or traffic violation to perform the test.

Forbidden to use any devices to forewarn of speed radars.  The fine will be 200 euros and the loss of 3 points on your licence.

Fine for collisions with wildlife: The driver will be held responsible for killing or hitting an animal in the street.  The only exception will be if there has been a hunt in the area in the preceeding hours.

Fine without being stopped by the police:  The police can give a fine without having to stop the vehicle and identify the driver.

Longer time to benefit from a discount for paying the fine:  You will have up to 20 days to pay the traffic fine and obtain a 50% discount.  Before it was only 15 days.

The police can now immobilize the car if for example the child sitting in the front seat if under the age of 12 years and/or under 135cm tall.

At Helle Hollis we unfortunately see many parking and speeding fines coming in from our clients so therefore we ask you always to respect the traffic rules. Please remember that you as the driver of the car is the only one responsible for any traffic offenses and the fines will reach you in your home country.

Drive safe during your holidays!