Drivers may be paying ‘illegal fines’: DGT revokes €400 fine after error on A-7

Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic has reversed its decision on two fines that had been issued to a driver along the A-7 autoroute between San Roque, and Algeciras. After receiving a complaint, the DGT decided to reverse the two fines that were issued on the A-7 motorway between San Roque and Algeciras.

DGT issues ‘illegal’ fines to driver on two occasions

The DGT had originally fined the driver €400 in total; €300 in one case and €100 in the second. The driver was an employee of Arreza Seguros. He received the fines on two occasions in September and October of last year after passing through that section and being detected twice by the average camera. The driver challenged the fines and called them “illegal.”

Arreza Seguros has warned that due to the inconsistency between the speed cameras and signs on the A-7 motorway, “many” people could be paying fines which are illegal.

The DGT, after analyzing the incident and ruling in favor of the driver, stated in two resolutions dated March 5, 2020: “In light of the actions contained within the file, we conclude that the imposition of sanction is not appropriate in this case, and its revocation has been agreed ex officio in accordance with article 109.1 of Law No. 39/2015 of October 2 on the Common Administrative Procedure of Public Administrations.”

What to look out for when you see speed cameras

According to DGT, up to seven speed cameras are located in Cadiz province, including those on the A-7 motorway, N-340, CA-35 and CA-33 highways, A-48, A-384 and A-2001. These cameras continuously capture and identify each vehicle’s licence plate, which is used to calculate its speed. A traffic violation report and speeding tickets are automatically issued if the average exceeds the limit.

DGT announced that 33 new speed camera installations would be taking place at the end February. The traffic authority assured drivers that no fines would be issued during the initial weeks following the installation of the speed cameras. After the grace period, drivers are no longer able to get away with a simple slap of the wrist.

DGT’s website has the most complete and up-to date official inventory of fixed speed cameras, including average speed camera stretches. www.dgt.es, where lists of downloadable documents are updated periodically. The interactive map below from DGT can be used to check for roadworks and new additions.