Learn how to know if your car has any pending traffic fines, the different fines that exist and how they can be appealed.
Avoiding being fined is the great objective of all drivers. First, because no one likes to spend money or lose points on their driving license. And, second, because the fines have the objective of punishing the driver for poor driving practices, so not being fined is the result of good driving.
In Spain, there are several authorities with powers to independently issue and manage traffic fines. The main one is the General Directorate of Traffic, better known by its acronym DGT. Added to this are the City Councils that, through the Local Police, can issue traffic fines, or some organizations in Communities such as Catalonia (Catalan Traffic Service), the Basque Country (Traffic Directorate) or Navarra.
Now, what procedures must be carried out if we receive a fine notification from any of the authorities mentioned in the previous paragraph. The first thing to do when receiving a traffic fine is to read and check all the details of said fine, checking above all that the information about the vehicle is correct.
Additionally, you have to check if the driver has identified himself correctly. If the person indicated in the sanction is not the one who committed the infraction, there is a period of 10 days to communicate who is responsible. This is only mandatory if it results in a loss of points. And, if it is not done in this case, it will be considered a serious infraction and would have an extra penalty.
Regarding the payment of the fine, this must be made within a period of 45 days from receipt of notification thereof. If you do not do so, a surcharge of 20% of its value after this period will be added. It should be noted that there is a method to only pay 50% of the amount indicated in the penalty. This applies when the money is paid during the first 20 calendar days from the notification.
In the latter case, you would not be able to allege or appeal the fine because you consider it inappropriate and the 50% discount cannot be applied to some more serious infractions. These are: using radar jammers, falsifying the driver’s identity, interfering in road safety by breaking regulations in industrial activity or modifying some element of public roads such as removing signs, etc.
Regarding the financial amounts and point penalties, the figures can range from 100 euros, which is the cheapest fine for exceeding the speed limit by 19 points, to 1,000 euros for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with very high levels of these substances. On the other hand, the points removed from the license can range from none or one to six points in very serious infractions.
How do I know if my vehicle has fines?
If you want to know if a car does not have any pending traffic sanctions, especially when we are going to buy a vehicle or have changed address, you can do so on the BOE’s Single Edictal Board (TEU). In this place, all fines or traffic sanctions that could not be notified at the address of the vehicle owner due to being absent or no longer residing there will be published.
What types of fines exist?
According to the DGT, the most frequent traffic penalties are for speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone while driving. Fines also stand out for driving with an expired license or MOT or for not having mandatory insurance in force.
Fine for not having the ITV
It occurs when driving with the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV) expired, having some pending or non-approved modification.
Fine for speeding or poor traffic
Any violation for not complying with traffic regulations, whether speeding, skipping a traffic light or using a cell phone while driving, among others.
Fine for driving without a license
When driving a car without a driving license or with it expired.
Fine for alcohol and drugs
It occurs when driving under the influence of one of these two substances.
Fine for driving without insurance
This penalty is carried out when the vehicle does not have mandatory insurance that covers civil liability in the event of an accident.
How can I appeal a fine?
When receiving a fine, there is the right to file allegations that the sanction is inappropriate. In this sense, there will be 20 calendar days from when the fine is notified to complain. In this allegation, made in person or online in the body that issued the fine and at a free cost, the claim must be justified with new data or documents. If it is resolved in favor of the driver, the sanction will be suspended. If not, there will be the option of filing an appeal for reconsideration.