Violations That Deduct Points

Here is the explanation of the logic of the points system and the detailed summary from the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) page in Spanish, adapted to the reform of the Traffic Law:

The Logic of the System (Why Do the Rules Change?)

The main objective of the reform (which came into effect in March 2022) is to toughen penalties for those behaviors that generate greater danger or distractions while driving, which are the main causes of fatal accidents in Spain (such as using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or endangering cyclists).

Summary of Violations and Points That Are Deducted

1. Very Serious Violations (Deduct 6 Points)

These are behaviors that entail the maximum loss of points and high economic penalties:

  • Mobile in Hand: Holding a mobile phone with your hand while driving goes from deducting 3 to 6 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Throwing Objects onto the Road: Throwing objects that may cause fires or accidents (such as cigarette butts) goes from 4 to 6 points (Fine: 500 €).

  • Overtaking Cyclists: Overtaking cyclists without respecting the minimum safety distance of 1.5 meters or obstructing their progress goes from 4 to 6 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Alcohol and Drugs: * Driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.50 mg/l (or more than 0.30 mg/l if you are a professional or novice) deducts 6 points (Fine: 1,000 €).

    • Driving with the presence of drugs in the body or refusing to take the tests deducts 6 points (Fine: 1,000 €).

  • Reckless Driving: Driving in the wrong direction or participating in illegal races deducts 6 points (Fine: 500 €).

  • Radar Jammers: Having installed radar jammers or speed cameras deducts 6 points (Very high fine: 6,000 €).

  • Professional Drivers: Failing to comply with more than 50% of driving and rest times or tampering with the tachograph deducts 6 points (Fine: 500 €).

2. Serious Violations (Deduct 4 Points)

  • Safety Elements: Not using (or using incorrectly) the seatbelt, helmet, or child restraint system (baby seats) goes from 3 to 4 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Running Signals: Not stopping at a STOP sign, not yielding, or running a red light deducts 4 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Safety Distance: Not maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front deducts 4 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Lower Alcohol Level: Driving with a blood alcohol level between 0.25 and 0.50 mg/l (or between 0.15 and 0.30 mg/l for professionals and novices) deducts 4 points (Fine: 500 €).

  • Authority Agents: Not respecting the signals or instructions of traffic police deducts 4 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Driving Permit: Driving without the appropriate license deducts 4 points (Fine: 500 €) or driving with a suspended permit deducts 4 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Dangerous Maneuvers: Making improper overtaking or driving in reverse on highways/motorways deducts 4 points (Fine: 200 €).

3. Moderate Violations (Deduct 3 Points)

  • Radar Detectors: Having radar detection mechanisms in the vehicle (even if they are turned off) now deducts 3 points (Fine: 200 €). Note: Radar warning devices that are in applications like Google Maps or Waze remain legal.

  • Manual Use of the Navigator or Headphones: Driving using headphones, headsets, holding the mobile between the headset and the head, or manually manipulating the GPS/navigator while driving deducts 3 points (Fine: 200 €).

  • Prohibited Turn: Making an illegal U-turn deducts 3 points (Fine: 200 €).

Important Notes to Keep in Mind:

  1. Repeat Offenders: The mentioned economic penalties are generic. If a driver repeats the same violation within a period of time, the economic fine may be higher.

  2. Criminal Offense: Some of these violations (such as very high alcohol levels, presence of drugs, or extreme reckless driving) not only deduct points and money but are considered criminal offenses and may carry prison sentences or immediate withdrawal of the license through judicial means.