Spain’s Dangerous Pedestrian Rules in 2025: Rule-breakers face €500 fines

Spanish motorists are shedding salty tears as authorities prepare to crackdown on jaywalkers and other road rebels. Find out what the rules are.

Watch your step, Spain – the traffic cops aren’t just eyeing drivers anymore. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is cracking down on a highly dangerous new breed of road menace: careless pedestrians. Think you can mince across a zebra crossing with your headphones in and your eyes glued to your phone, muttering ‘I’ve got rights’? Think again – fines are now soaring up to a shocking €500 for those caught red-footed.

Yes, that’s right. Spain’s Traffic Watchdog is tired of “Hazardous habits” On foot. While drivers may have long been subjected to the harshest road rules, pedestrians also face the same fate.

You can text and walk. What’s the cost? You can also find out more about us on our website.

The DGT warns that distracted walking has become a serious problem as we are glued to our phones. You might think a quick WhatsApp as you cross the road is harmless – but if you’re not paying attention and cause a ruckus (or worse, an accident), you could face a fine of €200 for ignoring traffic signals or directions from a traffic officer.

Don’t think of strutting across dual carriageways or motorways as if it were yours. Own personal catwalk – that can land you a fine of €80.

Reports The DGT in Spain has confirmed that they have increased their efforts to fight the growing problem and are no longer just blaming drivers for accidents. Here’s the kicker – in crashes involving pedestrians, bikes or motorbikes, it’s usually the driver who gets the blame first, guilty until proven innocent. This has created a mindset where many pedestrians waltz onto zebra crossings without a second thought – never mind the drivers who might have to slam the brakes, swerve, or take evasive action, sometimes with kids in the back seat.

Skip the zebra and pay the Price:

Jaywalkers, beware. Failing to use zebra crossings could earn you a cool €80 fine. You can be fined for ignoring the red pedestrian signal.

What’s the biggest drain on your wallet? Refusing an alcohol or drug test if you’re involved in an accident – yes, even if you’re just a pedestrian – can cost you a jaw-dropping €500.

Sidewalk scofflaws on notice

All of this is part of the growing campaign from the DGT It is important to emphasize that road safety involves everyone. ‘Pedestrian compliance with traffic rules is essential for safe mobility and avoiding fines,’ the Spanish traffic authority warned on X.

In other words, the road doesn’t care if you’ve got a steering wheel or a shopping bag – the law applies to you either way.

How to protect your cash and bones

The DGT has dished out some handy advice to help you stay on the right side of the law – and the curb.

• Use the zebra crossings properly – they’re there for a reason.
• Don’t use your phone while crossing – no, not even for a selfie.
• Only step out when it is safe. You can also find out more about us on our website. And the drivers. Newsflash! The road doesn’t revolve about you.
• Traffic signals must be obeyed.
• Stay off motorways and dual carriageways – they’re for wheels, not heels.

Spain’s Real Decreto 1428/2003A chunky piece of law that we all ignore. a fine lands in our lap.

What’s the bottom line? It’s not a pass to be a pedestrian. You could end up paying a lot more than you bargained.

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