{
  "id": 8867689,
  "title": "DGT average speed cameras in Spain have a surprising loophole for drivers who exit early",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/dgt-average-speed-cameras-in-spain-have-a-surprising-loophole-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T07:01:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euro Weekly News",
    "slug": "euro-weekly-news",
    "url": "https://euroweeklynews.com/2026/09/21/dgt-average-speed-cameras-in-spain-have-a-surprising-loophole-for-drivers-who-exit-early/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Spain's average speed cameras on motorways and A-roads present a curious loophole for drivers who attempt to exit the monitored section prematurely. These cameras operate by recording a vehicle's number plate at the start and end of a designated stretch, calculating the average speed based on the time taken to travel between the two points. Exiting the monitored area before reaching the second camera eliminates the need for a second recording, thereby avoiding an average speed calculation and any potential automatic ticket issuance. This design quirk may be an unintentional oversight in the layout of these speed traps, rather than a deliberate feature endorsed by the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT). In contrast, the United Kingdom employs average speed cameras in a way that eliminates the possibility of exiting the monitored section, thus preventing such loopholes. As of spring 2024, Spain has 299 average speed cameras in operation, including regional installations in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Navarra, as well as municipal devices in major cities. The total count includes both fixed cameras and section cameras, which monitor specific stretches of road. The longest average speed test in Spain is located on the CL-615 in Palencia, measuring 32.9 km with a 90 km/h speed limit. Another notable test is on the A-68 between Cortes and Tudela, spanning 30.5 km at a 120 km/h limit. These long stretches make the possibility of using a slip road to avoid the second camera more relevant to the mathematical calculation of average speed. While drivers may exploit this loophole, it is important to note that other traffic offenses, such as speeding, remain enforceable even when average speed cameras are not in use. Fixed speed limits still apply, and fines range from €100 for minor excesses to €600 for more serious infractions, along with point deductions from the driver's license. While some average speed camera layouts may allow a 10% tolerance for minor speed deviations, maintaining steady driving habits is still the most prudent approach to avoid fines and penalties.",
  "summary": "Spain’s traffic authority has packed motorways and A-roads with average speed cameras in recent years, yet one design quirk still […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}