You were caught doing this in the tunnel of a Spanish city? It could cost you €500 and 6 points

If you overtake in the wrong conditions inside a tunnel in Spain, you could be facing a fine of up to €500 and the loss of up to six points on your licence. Many drivers believe they know the rule, but it’s often ignored or misread in practice. The DGT The company reminds drivers that they shouldn’t take any risks in tunnels, as a small mistake can turn into a major offense.

Tunnels are not the same as open roads. There is less room for reaction, as the light can change suddenly. It is for this reason that the rules are more strict and the penalties higher.

In Spain, overtaking in tunnels is illegal

It is easy to understand the basic rule. If there is just one lane for each direction, then overtaking isn’t allowed. The road is clear whether the car in the front looks slow or not. When you must move to the opposite lane in order to pass another vehicle, you’re breaking the law.

In a tunnel, overtaking is only allowed in one circumstance. It is only allowed when two or more lanes are going in the same directions and you don’t have to cross into oncoming traffic. The manoeuvre is safe if you remain on your side.

Many drivers are relying on their instincts rather than understanding the layout of the road. The tunnel may seem wide and the visibility good, but there is still the temptation to overtake. What feels safe at the time is not what the law considers to be safe.

DGT says that driving through tunnels requires more attention than normal driving. Any incident can escalate rapidly because there is little room for error. In an enclosed space with limited options, a broken down vehicle, sudden stop, or misjudged maneuver can set off a chain reaction.

Your license can be penalized with fines and points

The fine depends on the severity of the situation. In less dangerous cases, the fine can be €200. But if the manoeuvre creates a clear risk for other road users, that amount can rise to €500.

You can also lose points on your license. Four points can be deducted if you overtake in a way that puts others in danger or when visibility is low. Losses can increase to six points if the behavior is deemed reckless.

That distinction matters. Authorities don’t just focus on the act itself; they also consider the context. In tunnels where visibility is poor or the traffic unpredictable, authorities are more likely to treat overtaking as a serious offense.

Many drivers, and especially those who depend on their driving licence to earn a living, may suffer long-term effects if they lose that many points. The fine is only part of the story. It’s important to stay on the road.

Small tunnel rules that drivers often overlook

Not only is overtaking prohibited. Many drivers overlook the basic things they should do when entering a tunnel.

One of them is the lights. You must turn on your lights even during the day when you enter a tunnel. Not only is it important to see clearly, but also for other drivers to be able to see you when the lighting is changing suddenly.

Distance is also important. Drivers must maintain a distance of at least 100 metres (or four seconds) from the vehicle ahead. This distance is increased for heavier vehicles. If traffic suddenly slows down in a tunnel that is a small space, this gap can make all the difference.

Never enter a tunnel when traffic has already stopped or if there is a red light at the entrance. They are there to warn you, and not following them could lead to dangerous traffic congestion.

Stay alert, keep your distance and turn on the hazard lights if traffic stops while you’re inside. Simple actions can prevent the situation from worsening.

What happens if I get fined?

The process for reporting an offense in a tunnel is the same as the normal traffic penalty system. You have 20 calendar days to pay or contest the fine.

If you pay within this period, you will usually be able to reduce the amount paid by 50%. Accepting the reduction means that you also give up your right to appeal.

The decision for many drivers is based on convenience. The simplest way to proceed is to pay the reduced penalty if it’s clear what the offense was. If you have any doubts about the incident, it may be worthwhile to contest the penalty.

Why Spanish road tunnels are treated differently

It may seem routine to drive through a tube, especially if it is the same route you take every day. These stretches of road are considered high-risk areas from the perspective of traffic safety.

The visibility is reduced, the escape options are limited, and there is less space for dealing with unplanned situations. It is for this reason that the rules are stricter, and why they are enforced with seriousness.

The DGT message is straightforward. Within a tunnel, speed is not as important as patience. You are better off waiting a few more seconds than risking losing money, points or worse.

It is important to remember that even the most basic driving habits can be the most crucial.