The summer driving mistakes that could cost you hundreds of euros in Spain

From flip-flops to cigarette butts, the DGT has a long list of fines waiting for careless drivers this August

Summer in Spain means long days, packed roads and, for many drivers, a rather costly surprise if they're not paying attention. The Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) issues around 10,000 fines during the summer season alone, with penalties ranging from €80 to €500. Most of them are entirely avoidable. Here's what to watch out for.

Those flip-flops could cost you

It's tempting when it's 38 degrees outside, but slipping on a pair of sandals or flip-flops before getting behind the wheel is a decision the DGT takes a dim view of. Loose footwear reduces your reaction time and can get caught on the pedals at exactly the wrong moment. Driving completely barefoot is arguably worse. The advice is simple: keep a pair of proper shoes in the car and swap them over before you set off. While you're at it, check your tyres and fluid levels before a long journey too. It's the kind of thing that's easy to forget in the holiday rush.

Put the phone down

This one carries real consequences. Using a mobile phone or handling a GPS device while driving will land you a €200 fine and cost you more than three points on your licence. Set your navigation up before you leave, or use voice commands. And yes, even reaching for a bottle of water while on the move can catch an officer's attention and result in the same €200 penalty. It sounds harsh, but the rule is straightforward: pull over, have a drink, and carry on.

Shirts, sunglasses and common sense

Here's one that surprises a lot of people. Driving without a shirt isn't explicitly banned in Spain, but officers can still fine you if they consider it a distraction to other road users or a safety issue due to seatbelt discomfort. It's one of those quirky rules that's easy to fall foul of without realising. Wearing sunglasses is actively encouraged, particularly during the brutal midday glare, and avoiding driving altogether between noon and 4.00pm during the hottest weeks is genuinely good advice.

Packing the car

Overloading the boot, or piling luggage onto the back seat, is one of the more expensive mistakes you can make. Excess cargo carries a fine of up to €500 and the loss of four points. Suitcases belong in the boot, smaller bags under the seats. Parking restrictions are another area where drivers regularly come unstuck in summer, particularly in busy coastal towns where rules change frequently. 

Throwing cigarette butts from the window

Arguably the harshest penalty on the list. Tossing a cigarette butt from a moving car can result in a fine of up to €500 and the loss of six points. Given the fire risk during Spain's dry summer months, it's not hard to see why the authorities treat it so seriously. The simplest solution is not to smoke in the car at all, which removes the distraction as well as the risk.

A few simple things that help

Stay properly hydrated and stop regularly rather than drinking on the move. Avoid driving between noon and 4.00pm when heat and glare are at their worst, and wear sunglasses to reduce the risk of being blinded by the sun. Dress sensibly too: driving without a shirt isn't explicitly banned, but officers can fine you if they consider it a distraction or safety risk.

None of this is complicated. A little common sense and a knowledge of the rules goes a long way on Spanish roads this summer. 

You might also be interested in: Top tips for driving in Spain during a heatwave

Images: RDNE Stock project/Pexels