What fines can ruin your summer vacation? The most common, expensive and how to avoid them
1. Speeding and distractions at the wheel
During the summer, up to 10,000 fines are registered daily, averaging fines between 80 and 500 euros. The most common: stepping on more than necessary. It carries penalties from 100 to 600 euros and can cost you up to 6 points on your license.
But it's not just speeding. Being distracted by your phone or GPS endangers your safety and your wallet. Using your mobile phone, holding it or manipulating the GPS while driving is punishable by 200 euros and loss of up to 6 points.
2. Alcohol, drugs
Holidays and celebrations increase cases of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fines range from 500 euros and 4 points, to 1000 euros and 6 points, in case of recidivism or high levels of alcohol.
The DGT and the Civil Guard are intensifying controls, especially in exit operations and tourist areas, and this increase is noticeable in the increase in the number of notifications.
| Infringement | Fine (€) | Points withdrawn |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol between 0.25 mg/l and 0.50 mg/l | 600 € | 4 points |
| Alcohol greater than 0.50 mg/l | 1 000 € | 6 points |
| Drug use (any presence) | Not specified (€) — DGT establishes administrative sanction | 6 points |
| Refusal to submit to alcohol/drug testing | Not specified (€) — DGT establishes administrative sanction | 6 points |
3. Footwear, clothing and curious behaviors
Is going in flip-flops or without a shirt illegal? Not expressly, but it can be punishable if the officer considers that it makes driving difficult for us or puts our safety and that of others at risk. Fines can reach up to 200 euros, especially if the officers consider that the footwear or clothing compromises safety.
It is also common to see drivers eating, putting on make-up or leaving their elbow out of the window – although they seem harmless and are not specifically classified as punishable, they can cost a penalty for distraction at the wheel.
4. Belts, cigarette butts and dangerous objects
The seat belt is not only mandatory: using it incorrectly or none can cost 200 euros and 4 points for both the driver and the occupants.
Throwing cigarette butts out of the window is not only an irresponsible practice, but also fined 500 euros and 6 points, for the risk of fire. In fact, if the fire is set off, it can lead to prison sentences.
5. Parking in improper areas during tourist destinations
In coastal towns and tourist towns, finding parking in summer can be a challenge. Many drivers end up parking in unauthorized areas, such as pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, or spaces reserved for residents, which carries fines of 80 to 200 euros depending on the violation.
In cases of blocking access or parking in emergency lanes, the amount may be higher and the vehicle may even be removed by the tow truck.
