Offences that deduct points
Here is the explanation of the logic of the points system and the detailed summary of the page from the DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) 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 entered into force in March 2022) is to tighten the penalties for those behaviours that generate greater danger or distractions at the wheel, which are the main causes of fatal accidents in Spain (such as the use of the mobile phone, not using the seat belt or endangering cyclists).
Summary of infractions and the points deducted
1. Very Serious Infractions (6 points deducted)
These are behaviours that entail the maximum loss of points and high financial penalties:
Mobile phone in hand: Holding the mobile phone in 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 metres or hindering their progress goes from 4 to 6 points (Fine: €200).
Alcohol and Drugs: * Driving with an alcohol level higher than 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 inhibitors: Having radar inhibitors or speed meters installed deducts 6 points (Very high fine: €6,000).
Professional drivers: Failing to comply by more than 50% with driving and rest times or tampering with the tachograph deducts 6 points (Fine: €500).
2. Serious Infractions (4 points deducted)
Safety elements: Not using (or using incorrectly) the seat belt, helmet or child restraint system (baby seats) goes from 3 to 4 points (Fine: €200).
Running signs: Not stopping at a STOP sign, not yielding or running a red traffic light deducts 4 points (Fine: €200).
Safety distance: Not maintaining the safety distance from the vehicle in front deducts 4 points (Fine: €200).
Lower alcohol level: Driving with an 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).
Officers of authority: Not respecting the signals or instructions of traffic police deducts 4 points (Fine: €200).
Driving licence: Driving without the appropriate licence deducts 4 points (Fine: €500) or driving with a suspended licence deducts 4 points (Fine: €200).
Dangerous manoeuvres: Carrying out improper overtaking or reversing on motorways/dual carriageways deducts 4 points (Fine: €200).
3. Moderate Infractions (3 points deducted)
Radar detectors: Carrying in the vehicle radar detection mechanisms (even if they are switched off) now deducts 3 points (Fine: €200). Note: Radar warners that are in applications such as Google Maps or Waze remain legal.
Manual use of the navigator or headphones: Driving using headphones, earphones, keeping the mobile phone between the helmet and the head, or manually handling the GPS/navigator while driving deducts 3 points (Fine: €200).
Prohibited turn: Making a non-regulatory change of direction deducts 3 points (Fine: €200).
Important notes to take into account:
Repeat offenders: The financial penalties mentioned are generic. If a driver repeats the same infraction within a period of time, the financial fine may be higher.
Criminal Route: Some of these infractions (such as very high alcohol levels, presence of drugs or extreme reckless driving) not only deduct points and money, but are also considered a criminal offence and may entail prison sentences or immediate withdrawal of the licence through judicial proceedings.