Traffic fines (DGT)
Multas de tráfico de la DGT
What it is
The DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) only notifies its fines by post (and, if it cannot locate the holder, on the Tablón Edictal) or through the Dirección Electrónica Vial (DEV); a fine notice by email is a scam. Before paying or appealing, check who issued the fine: if it is from a city council or regional government, you pay and appeal to them. If you were not driving or the offence carries penalty points, you must identify the driver within 10 days. Paying within 20 calendar days of notification gives a 50 % discount, but you give up the right to appeal; after that you have 45 days to pay the full amount and, if unpaid, the Agencia Tributaria collects it with a 20 % surcharge. You can pay online, with the miDGT app or by phone, and payment cannot be split or deferred.
Official wording
Recuerda que tienes 20 días naturales para pagar con reducción del 50%.Official sources
- Where it applies
- All of Spain
Official information
Official sources
When
Within 20 calendar days of notification you can pay with a 50% discount or file objections. After that you have 45 days to pay 100%; if you do not pay, the Tax Agency collects it with a 20% surcharge.
Official wording
Recuerda que tienes 20 días naturales para pagar con reducción del 50%.Official sources
Steps
Step 1: Check who fined you
Check the vehicle, the facts and the amount. If the fine is from a town hall or a regional government, pay or appeal with them. The DGT only notifies by post (or Tablón Edictal) and through the DEV: an email notice is a fraud.
Official wording
La DGT NUNCA notifica sus multas a través de correo electrónico.
Official sources
Step 2: Identify the driver if it was not you
If you were not driving, or the penalty deducts points, you must identify the driver within 10 days of notification. Not doing so is a very serious offence: the fine can be double or triple.
Official wording
debes indicarnos en un plazo de 10 días desde que te notificamos la infracción quién es el responsable de la infracción
Official sources
Step 3: Pay or appeal
You pay online, with the miDGT app or by phone; it cannot be split or deferred. If you pay with the discount, you give up the right to appeal; if you file objections, you lose the discount.
Official wording
Recuerda que no puedes fraccionar o aplazar el pago de una multa.
Official sources
FAQ
How do I appeal a fine?
File an objection within the first 20 calendar days of notification, providing new or different facts from those recorded by the officer. If you win, the penalty is suspended; if not, you pay 100% or keep appealing.
Official wording
En la alegación deberás aportar datos nuevos o distintos de los constatados por el Agente que te denunció.Official sources
I paid wrongly or twice — can I get it back?
Yes, you can request a refund, for example if the reduction was not applied or you paid twice. It is free.
Official wording
puedes solicitar la devolución del importe de la sanción.Official sources
Someone else usually drives my car
You can tell the DGT who the usual driver is; then, when an offence has to be notified, they contact that person first.
Official wording
lo mejor es que nos comuniques quién es el conductor habitualOfficial sources
Related procedures
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