Paying a Spanish speeding fine from the UK

You’ve come back from a relaxing holiday when suddenly a letter lands on your doormat — in Spanish, demanding an immediate payment in euros. It’s confusing and maybe a little scary.

But don’t worry. This guide explains exactly how to pay a Spanish speeding fine from the UK. You’ll learn about key deadlines, your options for paying or appealing the fine, and how to avoid hidden fees when paying in euros.

Ready to pay your speeding fine now? Open a Wise account in minutes. Convert pounds to euros at the mid-market rate and send money with low, transparent fees*.

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Understanding your Spanish speeding fine

If you were driving in Spain above the speed limit, the Spanish authorities can fine you either in person or by sending you a letter. Here’s what you need to know about your letter, from checking it’s legitimate to spotting key Spanish terms.

What to look for

Important information on your letter will include:

• The name of the authority issuing the fine
• Information about your vehicle, like the number plate, make and model
• Expediente - your reference number, which is essential for paying
• Importe - the fine amount in euros
• Fecha Límite de Pago - your payment deadline

Be wary of fakes. Spanish authorities will normally send a letter in the post, so if you get a speeding ticket via email it could be phishing.

Who do I pay?

Deal directly with the authority that issued your fine. This could be:¹

• Spain’s national traffic authority, Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
• Local town councils, called ayuntamientos
• Autonomous community traffic service, like:
  • Catalonia’s Servei Català de Trànsit
  • Basque Country’s Dirección de Tráfico del País Vasco
  • Navarre

Benefit of paying within 20 days

You normally get a 50% discount if you pay your Spanish speeding fine within 20 days of receiving the letter. Just be aware, this means you lose your right to appeal the fine.²

Paying after 20 days

If you don’t pay or appeal within 20 days, you have another 25 days to pay the full fine - but there’s no discount and no right to appeal. If you keep ignoring it beyond this period, the case will go to Spain’s tax authority. They’ll add a 20% surcharge and handle collection.²

Paying a euro speeding fine from the UK

Spanish fines are typically between €100 and €600.³ Wondering how to pay a Spanish speeding fine in euros? Your usual bank or debit card will convert pounds for you - but not cheaply. Let’s explore some better options below.

Paying your Spanish speeding fine with a bank transfer

People who don’t live in Spain usually have the option to transfer money directly into a bank account.⁴ You should use the bank details and reference number provided on the official letter.

High street banks do this type of transfer using SWIFT. It’s slow, often taking several days to complete. And they charge a lot for it - often hiding the fee in their exchange rate.

Here’s a comparison table to make it easier to see how banks often advertise low or zero fees, but mark up the exchange rate as a sneaky way of charging more.

Disclaimer: Comparison data is gathered from provider websites at specific intervals and may not reflect live rates. For providers who do not publish data, we simulate real transactions to gather information. We strongly advise confirming all transfer details on the provider's official site before you commit to a payment. Learn more about how we gather data here.

By contrast, online money transfer services like Wise are built for sending money globally, including paying bills and fines abroad.

A Wise account offers fair exchange rates and low, transparent fees*. Most transfers arrive in seconds and they’re easy to track online, giving you peace of mind that your speeding ticket’s all paid off.

Note: Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions. See latest speed update for more details.

Paying your fine online with a card

The DGT also allows you to pay your Spanish speeding fine online, using a debit or credit card. Be sure to go to the DGT’s official Sede Electrónica website. It has an English language option.⁴

Be cautious here too. Many UK card providers add a non-sterling transaction fee and a hidden markup in the exchange rate.

Instead, consider paying with a Wise card. Linked to your Wise account, it lets you spend in 40+ currencies with no foreign transaction fees, just low conversion fees* and a fair exchange rate. Or if you already have the currency in your account, there are no currency conversion fees.

How to pay a Spanish speeding fine from the UK with Wise

Wondering how Wise works? Wise connects local bank accounts around the world. That way, when someone sends money one way, Wise can often match it with someone sending money the other way, so the money rarely crosses borders, making transfers faster and cheaper.

But you don’t need to worry about that. Your part is simple:

1. Open the Wise app or website and select ‘Send’.
2. Enter the authority’s bank details and your reference number.
3. Pay the amount to Wise, like via debit card or local bank transfer.
4. Track your transfer as Wise pays your recipient - often in seconds.

Alternatively, you can pay with the Wise card using money you already put in your Wise account.

Be smart, get Wise

Dealing with a Spanish speeding fine isn’t fun, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Pay within 20 days to get the 50% discount, and use a Wise account for low transparent fees* at the mid-market exchange rate.

Open your Wise account 🌍

FAQs about Spanish DGT speeding fines

Should you ignore a Spanish speeding fine?

No. Ignoring it can mean losing your discount, paying a 20% surcharge on top of the full fine, or even having debt collectors pursue you through international agreements.²

Are EU speeding fines enforceable in the UK?

Yes. There was a short period after Brexit when UK drivers could avoid payment. But since 2025, cross-border enforcement has been reinstated. That means UK residents can no longer ignore EU speeding fines.⁵

Can I get points on my UK licence for speeding in Spain?

No. While you may face fines in Spain, points don’t usually transfer to your UK licence or your international driving permit unless you commit a more serious offence.⁶

What happens if you get a speeding ticket in a rental car in Spain?

The driver is always responsible. The rental company will pass your details to the authority and may also charge you an admin fee.⁷

Can you appeal a speeding fine in Spain?

Yes. You can file an appeal within 20 days of notification. But if you appeal, you lose the right to the 50% discount. If your appeal fails, you must pay the full amount. Further appeals are possible but usually require legal support.²

Sources used in this article:

1. DGT - who you pay your fine to
2. DGT - cost depending on how soon you pay
3. DGT - average speeding fines in Spain
4. Spanish government - paying via bank transfer
5. The Local - UK citizens cannot avoid driving fines in the EU
6. RAC UK - fines in Spain do not add points to UK licence
7. DGT - additional rental company fees

Last checked on 15 December 2025