We cannot provide a complete summary of the Spanish Road Traffic Act (Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulacíon de Vehiculos a motor y Seguridad Vial, LSV ) here, but we have compiled important rules and translations here. Most traffic regulations in Spain do not differ significantly from those in other European countries.
In Spain, road traffic offenses (infracciones ) are divided into three categories, namely minor (leve ), serious (grave ) and very serious (muy grave ) offenses.
Fines and penalties for alcohol or speeding offenders are high, and even tourists' driving licenses can be confiscated for serious violations. Parking offenders can also expect hefty fines.
There is no obligation to pay fines (multas) immediately. However, if you pay immediately or within 20 days, you will receive a 50% discount. In this case, however, you waive any right of appeal, i.e. the proceedings are terminated immediately.
You can pay directly to the security officer who imposes the fine, by credit card or cash, online, by telephone on 060 (from abroad +34 902 887 060), via the miDGT app, in Caixabank branches or ATMs and in cash at any post office against payment of an additional fee of 2.25 euros plus 1.50% of the fine amount.
For traffic offenders who are not resident in Spain, the amount of the fine can be set provisionally (security deposit for foreign traffic offenders, Art. 67 Para. 4 LSV). Payment on the spot can be made in cash or by credit card. Here too, a 50% discount must be offered if the fine is paid. If the person concerned is unable or unwilling to pay the security deposit, the vehicle can be seized.
In accordance with EU Directive 2011/82 of 25.10.2011 "to facilitate the cross-border exchange of information on road safety related traffic offenses", fines of EUR 70 or more are subject to enforcement proceedings in the home country in the event of non-payment, which will be pursued until imprisonment.
Maximum speeds for motorcycles
20 km/h in urban areas on roads without a kerb between the carriageway and sidewalk
30 km/h in urban areas on roads with only one lane in each direction
50 km/h in the local area on roads with 2 or more lanes in each direction
80 km/h in the local area on dual express roads (e.g. Autovias A) or freeways (Autopista AP)
90 km/h in non-urban areas
90 km/h on dual carriageways and on roads with more than one lane in each direction (Convencional)
120 km/h on highways (Autopista AP) and highway-like roads (Autovias A) more Info
