DGT

34,000 speeding fines dished out on Spanish roads in one week. Authorities get serious

Published

2 weeks ago

May 6, 2026

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Between April 13 and 19, officers from the Guardia Civil Traffic Group set up a grand total of 3,537 control points across Spain. They checked speeds of a massive 1,256,540 vehicles during this period. The figure shows an increase of more than 235,000 checks, even bigger than the previous summer operation. It just goes to show that the traffic authorities (DGT) are cracking down harder than ever on speed.

Speeding incidents contributed to 22 per cent of fatal crashes in 2024, making it one of the leading causes of all road deaths. The authorities are now responding each year with ever more targeted enforcement and additional cameras on Spanish roads.

Motorways see majority of penalties

To give an idea of the issue, both DGT and Guardia Civil officers recorded over 78,000 drivers breaking speed limits, representing 6.2 per cent of all vehicles monitored. Motorways and dual carriageways accounted for 53.5 per cent of these penalties, with 41,772 fines dished out there. This area shows a 10 per cent rise versus conventional roads, where officers issued 34,215 fines.

Fifteen drivers faced court proceedings for exceeding limits by more than 80 km/h. Such extreme cases have doubled over the past two years.

Lawmakers consider new 190 km/h offence threshold

Interior Ministry officials are now supporting changes to make rules more effective at stopping dangerous behaviour. A proposal before Congress is hoping to automatically classify driving at 190 km/h on motorways as a criminal offence with potential jail time. The idea is to deter reckless actions that put lives at risk on high-speed routes where many violations occur.

New support line helps accident survivors

At the close of the enforcement week, traffic chiefs introduced a dedicated helpline for people affected by road crashes. The 018 number now delivers free assistance to survivors and their families dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and practical difficulties after incidents.

The service is available in English on request, is not meant for emergencies (continue to use 112 for that), is a free-of-charge call, and is available from 8am to 9pm daily. There is also a WhatsApp version on +34 645 713 823, and even an email service (also possible in English) via victimastrafico@dgt.es.

Trained psychologists, social workers, and legal experts will be staffing the service to help anyone who has been affected by a road accident in Spain. They guide users through administrative processes, provide emotional counselling, and monitor serious cases over extended periods. This resource addresses growing demand from individuals coping with long-term consequences of collisions on Spanish roads.

Change in speeding culture in Spain

Speed enforcement is really starting to take off in Spain as a form of changing a decades-long culture of pushing the accelerator down too far. With more vehicles checked and stricter rules under discussion, drivers can expect ever increasing pressure to respect limits, especially on high-capacity routes.

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DGT

Tourists could face surprise fines in Europe over flip-flops

Published

15 hours ago

May 18, 2026

admin

Flip-flop fans in Spain, Italy and other parts of Europe are being warned that wearing flip-flops in the wrong place could lead to unexpected fines.

European authorities have stepped up seasonal safety campaigns ahead of what hopes to be another busy holiday season. Some social media posts often claim flip-flops are “illegal” across southern Europe, but this isn’t the reality. In most cases, tourists are not fined for the footwear itself, but officials do believe it creates a safety risk.

In Spain, drivers can face fines of up to €200 if police decide their footwear affects safe control of the vehicle. Over in Italy, tourists hiking the famous Cinque Terre coastal trails have been warned they could receive penalties ranging from €50 to as much as a huge €2,500 for wearing flip-flops or unsuitable shoes on steep routes.

Spain’s DGT clarifies the driving rule

Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has repeatedly clarified that there is no specific national law banning flip-flops while driving. However, officers can still issue penalties under road safety regulations requiring drivers to maintain full control of their vehicle at all times. Traffic police may intervene if footwear appears to interfere with pedal control, reduce freedom of movement, slip beneath pedals, or affect reaction times. That means loose sandals, flip-flops, high heels and even driving barefoot could potentially become an issue if dangerous driving is observed or an accident occurs.

This warning is extra relevant for tourists hiring cars in the busier areas over the summer.

Italy’s hiking fines are very real

Italy has taken a tougher approach, particularly in Cinque Terre National Park on the Ligurian coast. Authorities introduced the rules after repeated mountain rescue incidents involving tourists attempting steep cliffside trails in beach footwear. The warning is that open shoes such as flip-flops and sandals are unsuitable for the terrain and can result in substantial fines.

Cinque Terre’s hiking routes connect five beautiful villages and attract huge numbers of visitors every summer, mostly cruise passengers and day-trippers with many tourists who underestimate the difficulty of the trails because of the area’s beach-town image.

Why authorities are concerned

Safety experts say the issue is stability and control. Driving with loose footwear means they can slip off while braking, become trapped beneath pedals, or reduce precision during emergency manoeuvres. With the hikers, flip-flops increase the risk of slips on rocky terrain, twisted ankles, falls near steep edges, and emergency rescue situations.

Online travel forums prove that many tourists remain confused about how strictly the rules are enforced. Some Reddit users visiting Cinque Terre this year reported seeing checks on hiking trails, while others said enforcement appeared inconsistent.

What you should know for this summer

Tourists travelling to and through Europe are advised to keep proper driving shoes in the car, wear suitable trainers or hiking shoes on mountain trails, and check local safety guidance before visiting protected tourist areas.

Don’t spoil your holiday and get caught with a fine over something as simple as a flip flop.