Catalonia drivers face €200 fines for rear seat rule breaches, including not wearing seatbelts or carrying too many passengers, according to the Guardia Civil. In some cases, officers can also immobilise the vehicle.
The checks are being stepped up during the summer travel period, with the Guardia Civil focusing on offences beyond speeding on trips to the coast and local festivals. For drivers and families, the key point is simple, rear seat belt use and passenger limits are being checked more closely.
What the Guardia Civil is checking
According to the Guardia Civil, overcrowding can trigger immobilisation if passengers exceed the authorised capacity by 50% excluding the driver, for example eight people in a five-seater car. The force also says alcohol and drug use are under closer scrutiny, and refusing the tests can lead to the same penalty.
Alcohol offences carry fines of €500 to €1,000 and a deduction of 4 to 6 licence points, while drug-related offences carry a €1,000 fine and 6 points, according to the Guardia Civil. Not wearing a seatbelt also brings a €200 fine, and the rules ban carrying more people than there are seatbelts in the vehicle.
Official guidance and next steps
For the official traffic rules, drivers can check the DGT and the Guardia Civil. For more Catalonia coverage, see our news page.
The Guardia Civil says the aim of the summer campaign is to improve road safety during the busiest travel period. Drivers in Catalonia should make sure every passenger has a seatbelt, the car is not overloaded, and they are ready for roadside checks before setting off.