New Traffic Fines based on Income!

📢 New Traffic Fine System in Spain: Penalties Adjusted Based on Your Income

SGM Abogados | Legal Blog – Driving Law in Spain

Spain is set to overhaul its traffic fine system, moving towards a progressive model where penalties will vary depending on the offender’s income. This significant change, recently proposed by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), aims to make traffic sanctions fairer and more proportionate.

⚖️ Why This Change?

The current traffic penalty system imposes fixed amounts, regardless of the driver’s financial situation. For instance, a €200 fine affects someone on minimum wage far more than a high-income driver. The new model seeks to correct this imbalance, aligning fines with the principle of economic equity.

📊 How Would It Work?

While the Spanish government hasn’t confirmed the exact mechanism yet, some expected features include:

Progressive sanctions: Higher earners would face increased fines for the same infraction.
More dissuasive effect: The aim is to make penalties more meaningful for all drivers, regardless of income.
Fairer system: Ensuring equality before the law by adapting the economic impact of the penalty to the driver’s financial capacity.

🚗 Will This Affect All Traffic Offences?

At this stage, the system is expected to focus on serious and very serious infractions, such as:

Speeding
Dangerous driving
Driving under the influence
Use of mobile phones at the wheel

Minor infractions may continue under the current fixed-rate system, at least initially.

🏛️ When Will This Come Into Effect?

The proposal is still under study and would require legislative changes before implementation. It is part of a broader strategy by the Ministry of the Interior to improve road safety and modernise the Spanish traffic law framework.

📝 Our Legal Insight

At SGM Abogados, we welcome measures that promote fairness and legal balance. However, we advise all drivers in Spain—especially foreigners and expats—to stay updated, as this change could significantly impact how traffic fines are calculated and appealed in the future.

If you’re facing a traffic fine or need legal assistance related to driving regulations in Spain, our team is here to help.

📩 Contact us today for legal guidance on traffic issues, fines, or disputes.

SGM Abogados
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