Using your car’s sun visor mirror while driving in Spain could lead to a €200 fine, warns traffic authorities.
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Think using the sun visor mirror to fix your hair at a red light is harmless? Think again. Spain’s traffic authorities have made it clear: some common in-car habits could cost you up to €200 — and that includes using the visor for anything other than blocking the sun while driving.
How using your car’s sun visor in Spain could get you a €200 fine
Spain’s General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has reminded drivers that the visor in your car isn’t a vanity station. If you’re caught applying makeup, checking your phone, eating, or even reading while stopped at a red light — especially if you use the mirror on your sun visor — you could be hit with a fine of up to €200, and possibly even lose licence points in serious cases.
What’s more, the offence doesn’t have to happen while the car is moving. Even if you’re momentarily stopped, if your behaviour interferes with road safety, it’s considered a breach of the Spanish traffic code.
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The DGT encourages drivers to pull over safely if they need to do anything that distracts from driving — whether it’s adjusting the GPS, checking the glovebox, or finishing your makeup. What feels like a two-second task could easily become a hazard.
Driving fines in Spain: Everyday car habits that could cost passengers and drivers
It’s not just sun visors. Spanish traffic laws cover a wide range of behaviours that many drivers — and passengers — don’t realise can lead to fines.
Seatbelt rules: Everyone in the vehicle, driver or not, must wear a seatbelt at all times. If a passenger is caught without one, they’ll be fined €200 — not the driver or the car’s owner.
Throwing cigarettes out the window: Dangerous and illegal. If a driver does it, they face a €500 fine and lose 6 licence points. If it’s a passenger, they still get fined €500.
Feet on the dashboard: Aside from being risky in an accident, it’s also fineable. If a passenger is caught in this position, the driver will pay between €80 and €100.
Loose items in the car: Bags, boxes or objects not secured inside the vehicle can lead to a €200 fine under Article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations.
Unexpected driving habits in Spain that could lead to fines
Spain’s traffic code is strict — and even seemingly harmless things can be considered a risk.
Driving barefoot: There’s no specific ban, but authorities argue it limits control over the pedals. If it leads to unsafe driving, expect a fine.
Wearing a cap or hat while driving: Not banned outright, but anything that obstructs your view is a potential reason for a fine.
Smoking at the wheel: Not forbidden by default, but if a Guardia Civil officer believes it’s distracting you or affecting your control, you could be fined.
At the heart of it all is Article 3 of the General Traffic Regulations, which states that all drivers must act with care and attention to avoid causing harm to themselves, their passengers, or other road users.
Articles 17 and 18 go even further — reminding drivers they must always maintain full control over the vehicle and remain in a safe, appropriate position behind the wheel.
So the next time you’re tempted to fix your hair, light a cigarette, or rummage through your bag while waiting at a red light, think twice. In Spain, even a moment of distraction can come with a hefty price tag — and it’s always better to pull over than pay up.
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