Avoid fines when someone else is driving your car in Spain
It is essential that ‘regular drivers’ are registered with the DGT in Spain
It is a fairly common practice the world over to allow someone else to drive your car and Spain is no exception. The situation can become complicated, however, if the additional driver receives a fine and the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has advised road users that it is essential to notify them if a friend or family member will be using your vehicle for a prolonged period of time.
In Spain, the DGT considers a ‘regular driver’ to be a person that uses a vehicle for at least 30 days a year (in the case of rental cars, periods of more than three days are counted). The DGT should always be notified in advance about who the regular driver is so that communication, including any fines accrued, can be sent to the correct person. This is especially important for offences that can result in points being deducted from your driving licence, as is the case if a driver is caught using their mobile phone.
How to register a regular driver with the DGT
To complete the procedure, the owner of the vehicle must log on to the DGT’s website; under the drop-down ‘Vehicles’ menu, the option ‘Regular driver communication’ is available, and the driver’s details can be entered here.
The process can then be completed through the miDGT app, by using a digital certificate or by making an appointment at the local Traffic Headquarters.
How traffic fines are notified
- Traffic fines can be notified at the time of the offence, at which point an officer will present an official print-out.
- If the offence is detected by radar, such as a speed camera, the fine will usually be sent to the driver’s home address in the form of the registered letter.
- Driving infractions are also posted on the municipal notice boards, on the Traffic Sanctions Board (TESTRA) and on the Single Board of Directors (TEU).
There have been countless scams in Spain carried out by fraudsters posing as the DGT and sending emails notifying drivers of traffic fines. In almost every case, the user is asked to click on a link that downloads malware onto their device.
The DGT has reiterated the fact that fines are never notified by email, except in the case that the driver has registered with the Electronic Road Directorate (DEV), whereby car owners could receive an email or SMS notification. Drivers will be directed to the DEV website and never asked to click on a link.
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