It is expected to have nightmares when you receive a traffic fine for speeding or parking in the wrong place while abroad or when your car is towed away by Grua. In our article, we provide information on how to handle traffic fines, road parking fines, and what to do if Grua tows your car away.
Scary monster of parking in the wrong place, the GRUA
Have you ever encountered a yellow sticker on the road rather than your car? It was probably the Grua, the municipal towing service responsible for managing parking irregularities to enhance the road network's efficiency. Grua tows vehicles parked at maintenance sites, special events, illegally parked cars, or abandoned vehicles.
How to find your vehicle?
If you find a City Towing Service sticker on the pavement, the information will indicate the location of the car depot where you can collect your vehicle after paying a fine.
Strangest reasons why you could get a fine in Spain
Driving on certain roads along the Costa del Sol can be stressful. After getting home, receiving a letter from the DGT (Spanish traffic police) is the last thing anyone wants. Here are five things to avoid fines.
An expensive kiss
Kissing the driver or having a heated argument while driving can attract a fine of €80 if the police believe it caused distraction.
Driving in flip-flops, barefoot, shirtless
A British tourist jumped his Porsche into an ice cream parlor at 8 a.m. when his flip-flops got stuck in the accelerator. Driving in slippers and swimming shorts can result in a hefty fine.
To eat or not to eat
Snacking while driving can lead to a fine of €80, rising to €200 if other passengers or road users are endangered. Resting your elbow out of the window can also attract a fine.
Don’t pimp your car
Unauthorized car decorations can lead to fines of up to €500. Dangling objects on the mirror can result in fines of up to €200.
Empty tank
Running out of petrol and parking illegally while fetching fuel can result in a fine of up to €3,000.
Restricted
Common driving offenses like not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone now result in a four-point license deduction and a fine.
Which bodies can impose traffic fines?
In Spain, three police forces cooperate: Policia Nacional, Policia Local, and Guardia Civil. They can stop you and request personal documents and vehicle papers. The Guardia Civil deals specifically with traffic cases.
How to check your traffic fines
DGT/Trafico is not obliged to send written notifications of speeding fines by post. It's the owner's responsibility to check if there are outstanding fines.
How long does it take to receive a fine?
For minor offenses (fines less than €100), the penalty expires after three months. For severe offenses, the penalty expires after six months.
What to do if you receive a traffic violation notice?
You must identify the driver responsible for the offense. Failure to identify the driver can result in fines of twice or three times the original amount, depending on the offense severity.
Parking fines on the Costa del Sol
Parking on the Costa del Sol is challenging, especially during holiday periods. We provide general information to help you avoid parking tickets.
Where is parking allowed and where not?
Parking is prohibited where there are yellow lines, in roundabouts, or in front of garage exits. Permit holders can park in specific areas, indicated by orange or green lines.
Blue or green zones
Blue zones are paid parking areas. The same applies to green zones, but with different charges. Non-residents can park in blue zones for up to 3 hours.
The supermarket trick
A good solution is to park in a supermarket car park if you spend a certain amount, usually around €20.
Telpark or Easy Park
If you find a parking space in a blue zone, you can use the Telpark or Easy Park app to pay for parking.
Parking tickets and payment of fines on the Costa del Sol
In Malaga, fines can be paid by email or at a bank using a payment slip. Paying within 20 days grants a 50% discount on the fine.
