Classic reflective sunshades like this are legal and effective for keeping your car cool—just remember to remove them before driving.
Credit : New Africa, Shutterstock

Summer in Spain can turn any parked car into a furnace. It’s no wonder so many drivers reach for every possible trick to keep the heat at bay, from propping open a window to the classic foldable sunshade across the windscreen.

But before you invest in that slick new roll-up blind, there’s something you should know: using the wrong type of sunshade could now land you with a €200 fine, thanks to the latest reminder from the DGT (Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic).

What sunshades can actually get you fined?

Let’s clear one thing up first. The traditional reflective sunshade—the one you pop up behind your windscreen while your car is parked and whip out before driving off—is perfectly legal. These are designed to keep your dashboard from baking and your seats from turning into hotplates, and nobody’s going to fine you for using them. In fact, they’re a staple for Spanish summers.

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The trouble starts with the new breed of roll-up or ‘blind-style’ sunshades. These are designed to stay permanently fixed to the inside of your windscreen, often with rails or adhesive brackets. They might seem more convenient—no more folding and unfolding every time you stop—but that convenience comes at a cost. According to the DGT, any sunshade that remains attached to your windscreen while you’re driving, even if it’s rolled up and out of sight, can block your vision or create dangerous blind spots.

Here’s the key: anything that reduces the driver’s field of view, even by a tiny amount, is technically a violation of Spain’s traffic regulations. And, yes, that includes sunshade mounts, rails or supports—no matter how small or subtle. If a traffic officer spots a permanent blind on your windscreen (even rolled up!), you’re at risk of a €200 fine. No points off your licence, but that’s a pricey penalty for trying to stay cool.

Rear windows: The rules are different

What about sunshades or blinds on your rear windows? The DGT’s rules are a bit more relaxed here, especially if your car has two functioning side mirrors. You’re allowed to use blinds, curtains or sunshades in the back, provided they don’t completely block your rear view or hang down loose. They should be fitted properly—no flapping fabric or broken mounts—and your mirrors must give you a clear view behind at all times.

The bottom line? When it comes to the front windscreen, less is more. Keep it clear and stick to sunshades that come off completely before you start the engine.

How to keep your car cool legally

So, what’s a driver to do when the mercury’s soaring? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat without risking a fine:

  • Park in the shade. It sounds obvious, but even a little shade can make a massive difference.
  • Leave the windows slightly open (if it’s safe to do so).
  • Use seat covers or light towels on your seats and steering wheel—they’re much less likely to scald you later.
  • Vent the car before you drive off: open all doors for a minute or two to let hot air escape.
  • Try the “Dutch trick”—open a passenger window fully, then open and close the opposite door five or six times. This creates a vacuum effect that can suck out the worst of the hot air, cooling your car quickly before you set off.

Remember, the tried-and-tested foldable sunshade is still your best bet. Just don’t forget to take it down before driving!

Spanish summers are tough enough without adding a €200 fine to your list of worries. If you want to keep your car bearable—and your wallet intact—choose your sunshade wisely. Always follow DGT guidelines, keep your windscreen completely clear while driving, and make sure your view of the road is never blocked. After all, comfort and safety can go hand in hand—if you make the right choices this summer.

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