The five easiest traffic fines in Spain to get out of
It’s possible to wiggle your way out of some potentially pricey sanctions in Spain
The traffic police in Spain aren’t known to be particularly sympathetic and with motoring rules and regulations seemingly changing faster than you can blink, many drivers unwittingly find themselves on the receiving end of costly fines. The law is pretty black and white, but at least most motorists can nab a 50% discount by paying their sanctions promptly.
According to the latest data published by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), some 5,148,399 fines for traffic violations were issued in Spain last year, which adds up to a fair few euros. Luckily, one expert lawyer, Miguel Ángel Mejías, has posted a TikTok video detailing the five infractions that are the easiest to appeal.
1. Fine for not identifying a driver
One of the easiest traffic fines to appeal is the fine for not identifying a driver. According to the lawyer, this fine can be appealed if the traffic authority has not made the two attempts to notify the fine required by law. This is a common mistake made by the DGT, and it can be easily rectified.
2. Parking fines
If you receive a fine for improper parking, make sure to check the letter for a photograph of the punishable act. If the letter does not include a photo of your vehicle, you can appeal the fine. Mejías notes that the letter must include a photograph of the vehicle in the act of improper parking, and if it does not, the fine can be appealed.
3. Fine for breaking a red light
If you receive a fine imposed by a ‘photo-red’ type radar, make sure to check if the sanction is accompanied by a certificate verifying that the camera is in good condition. If the certificate is not included, you can appeal the fine.
These specific radars are installed at traffic lights to catch drivers breaking red lights.
4. Speeding fines
Believe it or not, it’s also possible to get out of speeding tickets. If you get a speeding ticket in the post, make sure to check if the margins of error required by law have been applied correctly. If the margins of error have not been applied correctly, you can appeal the fine.
Additionally, if the two photographs required by law are not included, or if one is just an enlargement of the other, you can also appeal. You also have a good chance of avoiding the sanction if the radar verification certificate has expired.
5. Low Emission Zones
Finally, the lawyer notes that the fine for entering a Low Emission Zone with a taxi without the correct environmental label can be appealed if the taxi is registered and its license is prior to 2017.
Additional tips for appealing traffic fines
In addition to the 5 easiest traffic fines to appeal, there are some additional tips to keep in mind if you’re slapped with a sanction.
For example, if you receive a fine from a fixed radar, make sure to check if the radar is placed at a minimum distance of between 1.3 and 1.5 metres from the guardrail, as required by the UNE 1317 regulations. If the radar is not placed at the correct distance, you can appeal the fine.
It's always a good idea to consult with a lawyer or a traffic expert to determine the best course of action to appeal a driving penalty.
By understanding the laws and regulations surrounding traffic fines, you can increase your chances of successfully appealing a fine and avoiding costly consequences.
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