Spain

Fines for speeding in Spain

Spain employs a graded system for speeding fines, determined by how much the speed limit is exceeded:

  • Up to 20 km/h over the limit: €100
  • 21 to 30 km/h over the limit: €300
  • 31 to 40 km/h over the limit: €400
  • 41 to 50 km/h over the limit: €500
  • More than 50 km/h over the limit: €600

Additional Penalties:

  • On-the-spot fines: If stopped by police for speeding, you may be required to pay the fine immediately.
  • License Points: Accumulating penalty points from multiple infractions can lead to the suspension of your driving license.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Spain, there is a toll system for certain highways, but there is no vignette system for passenger vehicles. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for passenger vehicles in Spain.
  • Instead, Spain has a toll system on some highways (autopistas) and expressways (autovías).

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Toll Roads: Spain has a network of toll roads (autopistas), where you pay for access to the motorway.
    • Examples of toll highways include:
      • AP-7: Along the Mediterranean coast (e.g., from Barcelona to Valencia).
      • AP-2: From Zaragoza to Barcelona.
      • AP-68: Between Bilbao and Zaragoza.
  • Toll Sections: Some expressways (autovías) have toll sections, but many parts of expressways are free to use.
  • Electronic Tolls: Certain toll roads use electronic tolling systems. The Via-T system is common for electronic toll collection, which allows for automatic toll payments without stopping at toll booths.

3. Toll Prices

  • Passenger Cars: Tolls vary depending on the route, but they generally cost between €2 and €30, depending on the length of the toll road and the section you use.
    • For example:
      • AP-7 (Barcelona to Valencia): Around €10 to €15.
      • AP-2 (Zaragoza to Barcelona): Around €15.
      • AP-68 (Bilbao to Zaragoza): Around €20.
  • Larger Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and larger vehicles will pay more based on their size and the number of axles.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • Toll Booths: On traditional toll roads, you’ll stop at a toll booth to pay using cash or a credit card.
  • Electronic Tolling (Via-T): If you have a Via-T tag, you can drive through toll gates without stopping, and the toll will be automatically charged to your account. This system is especially useful for frequent travelers.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to Pay Toll: If you don’t pay the toll at a booth, you could face a fine. The fine can range from €100 to €200 or more, depending on the violation.
  • Via-T Non-Compliance: If you do not have a Via-T tag and use the electronic toll system, you may face a fine or have the toll manually charged with an additional fee.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: Spain does not have low-emission zones (LEZs) nationwide, but cities like Madrid and Barcelona may have restrictions on older vehicles in certain areas. These restrictions are mostly aimed at commercial vehicles.
  • Toll-Free Roads: Many of Spain’s autovías (expressways) are toll-free. While the autopistas (motorways) usually require toll payments, there are alternative routes on autovías that you can take to avoid tolls.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Carry Cash or Cards: It’s a good idea to carry both cash and a credit card for toll payments.
  • Get a Via-T Tag: If you plan on using toll roads frequently in Spain, consider getting a Via-T tag for automatic toll payments. This will save time and hassle at toll booths.
  • Use Toll-Free Roads: If you prefer to avoid tolls, you can use the autovías (expressways), which are often free, though they may take longer.