DGT Multas – A Complete Guide for Non-Spanish Speakers in Spain

If you drive in Spain, you’ll quickly run into the acronym DGT—the Dirección General de Tráfico, Spain’s national traffic authority. For visitors and expats, understanding multas (traffic fines) can be confusing: different authorities issue tickets, deadlines are strict, and discounts apply only if you act fast.

This guide explains what the DGT does, the most common fines, how to check and pay a ticket (even without a Spanish NIE), how to appeal, and how penalties affect foreign drivers. You’ll also find practical tips to avoid fines and a curated list of official resources in English and Spanish.

What is the DGT and Why Does It Matter?

The DGT sets and enforces Spain’s traffic rules on interurban roads, manages driver records (including the points system), and processes many traffic sanctions. Whether you’re a local, an expat, or a tourist, you must follow DGT regulations.

Some fines may also be handled by regional or municipal authorities (e.g., parking in cities). Start at the official DGT site to find services for “DGT fines in Spain,” “traffic penalties,” and guidance for foreign drivers: Official DGT website.

Common Types of DGT Multas (Traffic Fines in Spain)

Speeding fines

Spain uses fixed and mobile speed cameras. A small technical tolerance is applied by devices, but it varies—don’t rely on it. Fines typically range from €100 to €600 and may carry 2–6 points depending on excess speed. See: DGT speed sanctions table (PDF).

Parking fines

Most parking and urban infringements are issued by your Ayuntamiento (city council), not the DGT. You must manage these through the city’s channels (payment/appeals). Example: Madrid parking/traffic fines.

Mobile phone use & seatbelt fines

  • Holding a mobile phone while driving: 6 points.
  • Not wearing a seatbelt (or improper child restraint): €200 and 4 points.

See the DGT’s English brochure: Know your highway code (EN).

Driving without correct documents (insurance, licence, ITV)

You must carry:

  • Driving licence
  • Vehicle registration (permiso de circulación)
  • ITV card (roadworthiness)

Driving without these or with expired ITV/insurance leads to fines, and in some cases vehicle immobilisation. Required documents to carry · Common infractions & sanctions.

How to Check if You Have a DGT Fine

  1. Go to the DGT’s Multas hub and choose the edicts/consultation option: DGT Multas (Sede).
  2. Use the “Consulta del Tablón Edictal de Sanciones (TESTRA/TEU)” to search by plate or ID for fines that could not be notified by post: TESTRA/TEU search.
  3. If other bodies (regional/municipal) issued the fine, check Spain’s TEU at the Official State Gazette: BOE – TEU notifications.
  4. Consider activating the DGT’s Dirección Electrónica Vial (DEV) to receive official e-notifications: About DEV.

Note: If you are not registered in Spain or your address is outdated, letters may not reach you; edicts appear in TESTRA/TEU, and DEV helps ensure you don’t miss anything. The DGT warns that it does not notify fines by email or random SMS links—use only official channels.

Paying a DGT Fine – Deadlines and Discounts

You get a 50% discount if you pay within the first 20 calendar days after notification (“periodo voluntario”). After that, you’ll owe 100% during the ordinary phase, and unpaid fines may be passed to Spain’s Tax Agency with a surcharge.

You can pay online (with or without certificate), via phone 060, through the miDGT app, or in person at Correos or CaixaBank ATMs/branches: Pay DGT fines.

No NIE/residency yet? You can still pay using your expediente (file) number via the “online – without certificate” path; the page also includes notes for foreign residents abroad.

Contesting or Appealing a DGT Fine

If you believe the fine is incorrect, you can submit allegations (alegaciones) or a formal appeal (recurso) within the stated deadlines. You’ll need identification (passport/NIE), the fine notice (with expediente), and vehicle details. You can file online via the Sede (with Cl@ve/digital certificate), by phone guidance (060), or in person. Non-Spanish speakers often use a gestoría or sworn translator to prepare documents. Start from: DGT Multas – appeals.

How DGT Multas Affect Foreign Drivers

Residents with NIE and Spanish plates

Fines are matched to your vehicle and driver record. Points are deducted from your Spanish licence, and unpaid sanctions can be enforced via Spanish authorities. Manage notifications via DEV to avoid missing deadlines.

Tourists with foreign plates

Spain participates in EU cross-border information exchange. If you’re from another EU country, you can receive the fine at your home address and pay online; always verify that the issuer is the DGT or the relevant authority. See: Fines within the EU.

Points system in Spain (brief)

Drivers generally start with 12 points (8 for new/recovered licences), with deductions for infractions and rewards for clean years (up to 15). You can check your current balance and get certificates online: Check points / certificates.

Tips to Avoid DGT Multas in Spain

  • Respect posted limits; speed cameras and patrols are common on interurban and urban roads.
  • Always carry your licence, vehicle registration, and ITV card; keep insurance valid.
  • Learn low-emission zone rules (ZBE) before driving in big cities (e.g., Madrid, Barcelona), as cameras automatically enforce access and fines are substantial: Madrid ZBE · Barcelona ZBE.
  • Use official tools: the miDGT app (iOS/Android) for documents, points, and payments; consider DEV to receive notifications electronically.

Helpful Resources for Non-Spanish Speakers

Final Thoughts – Driving Stress-Free in Spain

Once you understand how the DGT system works—who can fine you, how to check for notices, and how to pay or appeal—driving in Spain gets far less stressful. Activate DEV, keep your documents and insurance current, and learn local rules like ZBEs in big cities. When in doubt, use the official DGT site or the miDGT app to verify information and act within deadlines so you can enjoy the journey, avoid unnecessary costs, and drive safely and responsibly.

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