Drivers face €200 fines as Spain launches expert checks

Starting October 5, Spanish drivers face a week of increased roadside checks and camera surveillance as the government cracks down on distractions behind the wheel. Fines of up to €200 and six points on a driving licence await those caught using mobile phones while driving, as highlighted by the country's traffic authority, DGT.

The crackdown aims to address the issue of drivers being distracted by their phones, a leading factor in fatal road accidents in Spain, with 15,707 accidents recorded in 2025 and 444 resulting in death. DGT confirmed that both mobile phone use and holding a phone while driving can result in fines, although hands-free use may still incur a penalty of three points under Spanish traffic rules.

In addition to traditional roadside checks, Guardia Civil traffic officers will intensify patrols on interurban roads, and regional and local police forces have been invited to join the campaign. Automated cameras will also be employed to detect mobile phone usage while driving, ensuring that drivers who previously relied on avoiding direct police encounters are still at risk.

The campaign aligns with the European ROADPOL Focus on the Road initiative and will continue throughout the week. For foreign residents and tourists, the practical advice is straightforward: set navigation before driving, avoid handling phones while behind the wheel, and do not assume the absence of a police patrol means no one is watching. The risk of an otherwise ordinary journey costing an extra €200 due to a distracted drive remains a stark reminder of the importance of staying focused on the road.