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Caught on camera! The speed that triggers Spain’s 30 km/h cameras.
Credit: Shutterstock, Ernest Rose
Spain’s speed trap roads
Spain has clamped down hard on urban speeding, with all single-lane roads limited to 30 km/h – and local councils calling the shots on where speed cameras lurk. In 2016, the Traffic and Road Safety Law gave power to local councils. This means that those cameras can be found anywhere.
Many drivers wonder: What is the actual speed that triggers an automatic fine when 30 km/h limit is in place? Do you have any leeway in the 30 km/h limit?
When does the radar blink?
Not all speed camera are the same. Spain’s Metrological Rules set out error margins for various types of cameras. Here is what you need know.
Fixed speed cameras (under a year old): Flash at 33 km/h (error margin of ±3 km/h).
Fixed speed cameras (over a year old): Flash at 35 km/h (error margin of ±5 km/h).
Aerial and mobile speed cameras vary in their margins, but you can expect them to still be as brutal.
You could be fined if you go over 30 km/h even by a few clicks!
How fast can you drive before your license is taken away?
Once you exceed 51 km/h within a zone of 30 km/h, the penalties are severe. That’s when the Spanish traffic police start docking points from your driving licence – and it doesn’t stop there:
- 51 km/h and above: €300 fine and 2 points off your licence
- 61 km/h and above: €400 fine and 4 points
- 71 km/h and above: €500 fine and 6 points
- Over 91 km/h: €600 fine, 6 points, and possible legal trouble
What if you exceed 90 km/h in a car? You’re now in criminal territory
Drivers who push the pedal too hard won’t just be looking at a fine – they’ll be facing a criminal offence under Spain’s Penal Code. Expect severe consequences if your speed is 91km/h or higher in a 30-km/h zone. Possible consequences include:
- Prison sentences of 3 to 6 Months
- The fine can range from 6 to 12 months of salary
- You can do up to 90 community service days
- A driving ban ranging from 1 to 4 years
Have you ever been caught by a Spanish speed camera? Comment below and let us know!
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