Spain cracks down on speeding with 78,000 fines in one week
Spanish authorities have ramped up efforts to tackle speeding, one of the country’s top causes of fatal road crashes. During a recent week-long operation, over 78,000 drivers were caught breaking speed limits. The crackdown comes as officials propose stricter penalties, including jail time for extreme offences. From April 13 to 19, the Guardia Civil Traffic Group set up 3,537 control points across Spain. Officers checked the speeds of 1,256,540 vehicles—more than 235,000 additional checks compared to last summer’s campaign. Of those monitored, 6.2 per cent were found to be speeding.
Motorways and dual carriageways saw the highest number of violations, accounting for 53.5 per cent of penalties. A total of 41,772 fines were issued on these roads alone. Meanwhile, 15 drivers faced court for exceeding limits by over 80 km/h, with such extreme cases doubling in the past two years.
The push for tougher measures includes a proposal to classify driving at 190 km/h on motorways as a criminal offence. This follows data showing that speeding contributed to 22 per cent of fatal crashes in 2024.
Alongside enforcement, authorities have launched a free helpline (018) for crash survivors and their families. Available daily from 8am to 9pm, the service offers support in English upon request. Staff include psychologists, social workers, and legal experts. The latest enforcement surge reflects Spain’s broader push to curb a long-standing culture of excessive speeding. With stricter penalties on the table and expanded support for victims, officials aim to reduce road deaths linked to speeding. The helpline and increased checks signal a shift toward both prevention and aftercare.
