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Knowing if a car has outstanding fines is one of the most important queries for any driver in Spain. Whether it is to review your own situation before a deadline expires, avoid surcharges for not paying on time, or check if a second-hand vehicle has penalties associated with its registration before purchasing it, having this information is essential.
Fines can come from the DGT, city councils, regional traffic services and surveillance cameras installed in different cities, which means that many drivers do not know exactly where to consult.
Over the last few years, Spain has digitized most mobility procedures, allowing citizens to access information and services without having to go to in-person offices.
Thanks to platforms such as the DGT electronic headquarters, the Single Edictal Board (TEU) and specialized mobile applications, today it is possible to consult pending fines with complete ease and from your mobile phone.
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This text explains in detail all the official, alternative and quick ways to know if a car has pending sanctions in Spain, what each type of notification means and what to do if you find a registered fine.
Why is it important to check if a car has outstanding fines?
There are several reasons why knowing this information is essential:
- 1. Avoid additional surcharges and penalties
The fines have clear deadlines. If they are not paid or resorted to on time, they can considerably increase their value, applying surcharges that multiply the original debt.
Announcements
- 2. Avoid embargoes or executive procedures
In prolonged cases of non-payment, the administration can initiate a process of seizing accounts, salary or even the vehicle itself.
- 3. Legal security when buying a second-hand car
Many buyers are unaware that some fines may be associated with the license plate or the vehicle and not just the driver, which can cause problems after the purchase.
- 4. Detect administrative errors
Sometimes fines are issued incorrectly: for poorly captured license plates, defective radars or incorrectly sent notifications. Consulting them allows you to act in time.
- 5. Keep your record clean before the DGT
Driving license points are affected by certain penalties, so knowing them is essential to avoid inadvertently losing points.
Method 1: Consult fines at the DGT Electronic Headquarters
The most official and direct way to consult fines is through the Electronic Headquarters of the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). This portal centralizes all sanctions imposed by the DGT and other associated organizations.
What you need to access
You can check fines using:
- Electronic ID
- Digital certificate
- Cl@ve PIN or Permanent Cl@ve
With any of these options you can access the “My Multas” section.
What information will you find
Inside the portal you can see:
- Notified fines
- Fines pending notification
- Sanctions in the payment phase
- Reduction for prompt payment
- History of past sanctions
This is the safest and most official way to verify all updated vehicle information.
Method 2: Consult fines on the Single Edictal Board (TEU)
The TEU, managed by the BOE (Official State Gazette), is the tool where fines not delivered to the driver are published. If the administration fails to physically notify you, publication in the TEU counts as legal notification.
Advantages of TEU
- Does not require digital certificate.
- You can look for fines for registration, ID, name or file number.
- It is the method most used by those who do not receive letters at home.
Information available
- Fines not delivered
- Open procedures
- Payment requirements
- Edictal notifications
For many drivers, it's the place where they encounter penalties that never came in the mail.
Method 3: Check fines at City Hall
Many traffic fines DO NOT depend on the DGT, but on:
- Town halls
- Municipal police
- Metropolitan services (such as EMT Madrid or TMB Barcelona)
Each town hall has its own digital system where you can consult fines, normally with:
- Registration
- DNI
- File number
Examples of municipal platforms
- Madrid City Council (Electronic Headquarters)
- Barcelona City Council (Fines of the Urban Police)
- Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Malaga, Zaragoza...
If you regularly circulate through these cities, it is important to check periodically.
Method 4: Consult regional fines
Some autonomous communities manage part of the traffic or infractions through their own systems:
- Catalonia (Servei Català de Trànsit)
- Basque Country (Traffic Directorate)
- Navarre
In these regions, many sanctions do not appear in the DGT.
Method 5: Use an application like FIP Plate to check tuition fees
For those who want a way fast, simple and centralized, one of the most popular options is to use a mobile application such as Fip plate.
You only need to enter the car license plate to see:
- Pending fines
- Municipal sanctions
- History of violations
- Administrative situation
- ITV
- Circulation tax
- Loads or restrictions
This method is ideal for second-hand buyers or for users who want to quickly review without digital certificates.
Method 6: Check fines by SMS (in some locations)
Some organizations allow you to consult fines through SMS messages. It is not the most common option, but it can be useful in regions where the service is enabled.
How to interpret a pending fine
When you find a sanction, this data will normally appear:
- Date of violation
- Exact place
- Type of violation
- Amount
- If you have a discount (50% prompt payment)
- Deadline to pay
- Status of the procedure
- Issuing body
It is important to review all the details to know if the fine is valid and if you are within the deadline to pay or appeal.
What to do if you find a fine that you didn't know about
If when consulting you find a fine that was never notified to you, you can:
1. Take advantage of the 50% discount (prompt payment)
Available during the first 20 calendar days.
2. Present an allegation
If you consider that there is an error.
3. Request technical tests
Like radar photos or agent reports.
4. Check if the traffic address is updated
To prevent future notifications from being lost.
Conclusion
Knowing if a car has outstanding fines in Spain is an easier process than ever thanks to digital tools such as the DGT, TEU, town councils and applications such as Placa FIP. Consulting these sanctions frequently avoids surcharges, possible embargoes and administrative problems, in addition to protecting buyers looking for second-hand cars.
Whichever method you choose, staying informed is the best way to avoid surprises and keep your history clean. In an increasingly digitalized environment, a single click can give you all the information you need to drive with legal security and peace of mind.
