Be careful! If you're going to travel by road, these are some fines you could avoid

With the arrival of the holiday period, many Spaniards get ready to enjoy well-deserved days of rest. However, it is also the time of year when road journeys increase considerably. To avoid unpleasant surprises during the trip, it is essential to know the main penalties that we as drivers may face. Here we have gathered the main penalties that can result from breaking traffic rules, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or using a mobile phone while driving.

Using your phone at the wheel: a costly and dangerous habit

In this age of technology, using a mobile phone has become a frequent problem on the roads. Holding a mobile phone in your hand while driving, even if you are not using the device at all, is subject to a penalty. This serious offence carries a fine of 200 euros and the loss of 6 points from your licence.

But that’s not all: you will also be penalised if you press any button on the phone, even if you are not holding it in your hand and it is placed in a holder, with the loss of 3 points and 200 euros. The same applies if you wear an earpiece or manually use satnavs or other communication devices.

Distractions at the wheel: a hidden danger

Losing concentration while driving can have serious consequences. Any action that involves a lack of attention or that affects your field of vision will be considered a serious offence of negligent driving, and could result in a fine of up to 200 euros.

This includes looking at an accident, arguing or kissing your partner, eating, applying make-up or looking at a paper map while driving. If these actions endanger other road users, the fine would rise to 500 euros and would involve the loss of 6 points.

Expired licence and MOT: a costly oversight

Another important aspect to consider before setting off on your journey is making sure that both your driving licence and the ITV (MOT) are in order. Driving with an expired licence or an expired ITV is considered a serious offence, with a fine of 200 euros. If the vehicle is driven with a failed ITV, the offence is classified as very serious, and the fine rises to 500 euros.

Driving at excessive speed: unnecessary risks

Respecting speed limits is vital for everyone’s safety. Exceeding the limits can lead to fines of between 100 and 600 euros, and the loss of between 2 and 6 points from your licence, depending on the seriousness of the offence. In addition, if you drive at a speed more than 60 km/h over the limit on urban roads or 80 km/h on interurban roads, you will commit a criminal offence punishable by prison sentences of 3 to 6 months, a fine of 6 to 12 months or community service of 31 to 90 days, and the deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of 1 to 4 years.

Alcohol and driving: a dangerous combination

Drinking alcohol and driving should never be mixed. Driving with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.15 mg/l in exhaled air for professional drivers and licence holders with less than two years’ experience, or 0.25 mg/l for everyone else, carries fines of 500 euros and the loss of 4 points from your licence. A positive breathalyser test exceeding these limits will be considered a criminal offence, with penalties ranging from 3 to 6 months in prison, fines and the deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of 1 to 4 years.

Refusing to take a breathalyser test is also a criminal offence, punishable by prison sentences of 6 months to 1 year, and the deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for 1 to 4 years. Any attempt to obstruct the test will also be penalised with fines of 1,000 euros and the loss of 6 points from your licence.

Road safety depends on all of us, and every small action counts towards making our roads safer places. Have a good trip!