Traffic tickets from Spain: How to react correctly to the fine notice

Especially during the holiday season, violations by rental car users or vacationers driving their own cars are on the rise. In Spain, the rules and fines are sometimes stricter than in Germany. The following overview shows what to do in the event of a fine and how to avoid potential additional costs.

Spanish authorities distinguish between three levels of severity for traffic offenses: minor, serious, and very serious. Minor offenses usually involve parking violations; serious offenses include running red lights, using a cell phone, or not wearing a seatbelt. Very serious offenses include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and street racing.

Fines start at €100, and in serious cases, they can rise to €600 or more. For repeated violations or additional danger, a 30% surcharge is possible. No points are awarded in Flensburg for violations in Spain.

Fines are usually sent by the central traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). In some cases, regions or cities may also be responsible; occasionally, letters are even sent via private debt collection agencies.

In most cases, service is carried out exclusively in Spanish. In Germany, however, such notices can only be enforced if they are understandable to the person concerned. In many cases, an untranslated version is legally contestable.

If a fine is paid within 20 days of service or discovery, the amount is reduced by half. After that, the regular proceedings begin with the full amount and a payment period of another 45 days. If payment is not made within that time, a 20 percent surcharge may apply.

Payment can be made online via the DGT website – even without a Spanish identification number (NIE). Alternatively, a bank transfer is possible. Important: Account details are often not included in the notification and must be requested by phone from the authority.

An appeal against a Spanish fine is not immediately possible. Those who pay within 20 days of notification or the discovery of the offense benefit from a 50 percent discount, but forego the option to appeal. If payment is not made within this period, the authorities will initiate the regular procedure. Only then will a formal fine notice be issued, against which an appeal can be filed in writing within 20 days.

A penalty notice is the initial payment request from the Spanish traffic authorities, for example, following a speed camera violation. It contains information about the violation, the amount of the fine, and deadlines and possible discounts for prompt payment. An enforcement notice is issued by the Federal Office of Justice in Bonn when Spain submits a legally binding fine for collection in Germany. The enforcement notice acts like a German administrative act—there is a risk of seizure or other coercive measures if payment is not made.

The appeal must be submitted in Spanish. The fine notice indicates where it should be addressed. Those who lack sufficient language skills should seek professional translation or legal assistance. Formal errors or incomplete information may result in the appeal being rejected. A legal review is particularly recommended if there is a risk of subsequent enforcement in Germany.

Enforcement in Germany

Fines of €70 or more can also be enforced in Germany through the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ). The same formal requirements apply as for domestic notices – in particular, the notice must be clearly worded and properly served.

Anyone who receives a corresponding enforcement order from Bonn should not wait, but seek legal assistance in good time.

An unpaid fine in Spain generally remains enforceable for four years. This can lead to problems if you later travel to the country: The police can confiscate the vehicle or demand a security deposit. In isolated cases, travelers also report difficulties at the border or during passport checks.

How can I pay a fine from Spain?

A Spanish fine can be paid in several ways. The most common and convenient method is online payment via the website of the Spanish Road Traffic Authority (Dirección General de Tráfico, or DGT for short). Under the "Fine Payment" menu item, fines can be paid using the reference number – even without a Spanish identification number (NIE). Alternatively, a transfer to the account specified in the notice is possible. If no bank details are provided, you must request them from the responsible authority by phone. In exceptional cases, you can also pay directly on site or deposit a security deposit.

What happens if I don't pay a fine from Spain?

If a fine from Spain is not paid on time, the amount may initially be increased – especially after the 20-day discount period has expired. If payment is continued, the fine can be enforced in Germany if it is at least €70. The Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) in Bonn is responsible for enforcement. Furthermore, future trips to Spain may face problems during traffic checks or entry, as outstanding fines are stored in the system. In certain cases, the vehicle may even be temporarily impounded.

Are there points in Germany for traffic violations in Spain?

No, a fine imposed in Spain does not result in points being recorded in the German driving aptitude register (Flensburg). This applies regardless of the amount of the fine or the type of violation. However, the fine can be enforced by the German authorities once it reaches a certain threshold (70 euros) – points in Flensburg are excluded.

Can a fine from Spain be enforced in Germany?

Yes, a fine from Spain can also be enforced in Germany, provided it is at least 70 euros. This is based on EU Directive 2015/413, which allows for cross-border prosecution of certain traffic offenses. The Spanish authorities forward the case to the Federal Office of Justice, which collects the debt in Germany. The prerequisite is that the notice is clearly worded – ideally in German. A notice written entirely in Spanish can be legally challenged.

How long is a Spanish fine valid?

A fine from Spain generally expires after four years. This period begins on the date the violation is legally established. If the proceedings are interrupted or actively pursued again – for example, through a reminder or enforcement – ​​the limitation period may be extended accordingly. Therefore, outstanding debts may still be relevant even after several years, especially upon re-entry to Spain.