Are you ready to pay for your driving? Spanish Cities to introduce Urban Tolls

You may have thought that the days of whizzing through Spanish cities with no care and without paying a penny were forever gone. A new law is about to turn driving in Spain’s busiest towns into something you might need to start budgeting for – yes, even before you hit the petrol station.

Tolls aren’t just for motorways any more

So, what’s happening? Well, Spain’s Sustainable Mobility Law—currently making its way through parliament—could soon give town halls the power to charge you for simply driving around town. Traffic (and emissions) must be controlled. Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are already examples of what is possible with Low-Emission Zones. Now, the rule could be implemented in over 150 cities. And we’re not just talking about the big ones—anywhere with more than 20,000 residents could be next.

Does it sound like an unimportant worry? Not everyone. In places like Ibiza and Menorca, tolls are already in play for visitors—sometimes as much as a euro a day just for taking your hire car for a spin. Mallorca has also announced plans to implement a similar system, in an effort to reduce the number of cars on its famously congested roads.

You will have to pay a fee to drive in the city you live in.

The real twist This is not just a scheme that’s for locals. It’s set to affect anyone driving through urban centres—tourists, delivery drivers, you name it. Initially, the tolls will only be charged in major cities. However, the government made it very clear that even smaller cities would be responsible. In time, it’s likely that more and more cities will join the movement.

What will it mean to your pocket? There aren’t many details yet, but if driving to work or school is a daily habit, keep your eye out for any announcements from your local council. And yes—there could be exemptions or discounts if you’re a resident, drive an electric car, or have other special circumstances. It’s always worth reading the fine print.

What is the future of urban tolls in Spain?

What’s the big deal? It’s simple: less cars, cleaner air and a higher quality of life in the city centre for residents. Politicians hope tolls will persuade more people to use public transport, cycle, or walk—helping Spain hit its ambitious climate targets. Critics say it is just another new cost for drivers.

When is it? As the new law is still being debated in parliament, there will be no change tomorrow. This shift is more a question of “when,” rather than “if,” with the pressure coming from Brussels and other Spanish cities.

What signs should drivers look out for when paying urban tolls?

It’s important to keep your ears open if you live in a Spanish town or are planning a road trip soon. It could happen sooner than expected. And who knows—your daily commute might just get a little more expensive.