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4 myths about driving fines in Spain you need to dispel today

Not knowing the rules of the road in Spain doesn’t stop drivers having to comply with them

Being slapped with a fine is never a pleasant experience, and most seasoned motorists know that there’s no end to the infractions that could land you in the hot seat on Spanish roads. The Traffic authorities have even warned drivers about a new scam doing the circuit, whereby fake parking tickets are left on car wind-shields so that the con artists can glean valuable private information from their hapless victims.

But don’t be deceived about the following four myths that regularly circulate about traffic fines, or that already pricey ticket could wind up costing you a small fortune.

Myth # 1: You don’t need to pay a fine from a different community or country

Reality: If you get a ticket in a different town or province to the one the vehicle is registered in, the Traffic authorities will be aware of this and expect you to pay the fine. These days, even if the infraction is committed abroad, the powers that be can track you down without any real problem.

Myth # 2: If you don’t get the ticket, you don’t pay the fine

Reality: Just because the fine didn’t reach your mailbox doesn’t mean it’s been forgotten. Legally speaking, all infractions must arrive at the address that the driver has given to the DGT, but there’s all sorts of reasons that this might not happen.

Whatever the explanation, you are still responsible for paying the penalty, and remember that the price will just go up the longer you delay. On the other hand, drivers usually receive a major discount for paying early, so if there’s a chance you’ve been caught out on the road, don’t ignore it.

Myth # 3: There are many public places where you can’t be fined

Reality: This is a fallacy that does the rounds in most countries and in Spain, the myth persists that the authorities can’t fine you for driving misdemeanours in shopping centre or supermarket car parks. This is entirely untrue: if you’re doing something you shouldn’t behind the wheel, you can be slapped with a fine on any land designated for public use, or on private land that is utilised by a community.

Myth # 4: You can’t be fined if you didn’t know it was wrong

Reality: In Spain and everywhere else, not knowing the law won’t wash with the Traffic authorities, and not being aware of your rule breaking won’t excuse you. As a driver, you’re responsible for being fully up to date with any new legislation or regulations, and being ignorant of the law does not exempt you from having to comply with it.

Keep up to date with all the latest motoring news and regulations here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular insights

Image: Guardia Civil

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