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Spain to Change Traffic Light Rules for Pedestrian Safety from October
From 1 October, Spain will introduce a major change to traffic light operations. The DGT will prohibit the overlap of flashing amber for vehicles and green for pedestrians, aiming to reduce confusion and improve safety at crossings.
Spain to Change Traffic Light Sequence Nationwide from October
From October, Spain will introduce a new traffic light sequence. The DGT will prohibit vehicles from seeing amber while pedestrians have green. The change aims to reduce confusion and improve safety at crossings.
SEPE Tightens Penalties: Subsidy for Over-52s at Risk for Rule Breaches
Spain’s SEPE is enforcing stricter penalties for those receiving the over-52 unemployment subsidy. Repeated minor breaches can escalate to full loss of benefits, while fraud or undeclared income may trigger immediate termination. Here’s what beneficiaries need to know.
How a Second Vehicle in a Speed Camera Photo Can Overturn Your Fine
A Spanish traffic lawyer explains why the presence of another car or motorcycle in a speed camera photo can be grounds to challenge a speeding fine. The right approach could save both your money and license points.
Spain to Allow Pensioners to Work as Self-Employed While Receiving 25% of Pension
From August 2026, Spain will introduce a new flexible retirement scheme allowing pensioners to return to self-employment and receive 25% of their pension. The change comes with strict eligibility criteria and aims to modernize the way retirees can combine work and benefits.
Parking on the Wrong Side in Spain Can Cost Up to €500
Spanish traffic law now enforces strict penalties for parking against the flow of traffic. Fines can reach €500 and even lead to points loss, especially on two-way streets. Local rules may add further restrictions.
SEPE Halts Pension Contributions for Over-52s in Full-Time Jobs
From November 2024, Spaniards over 52 who combine their unemployment subsidy with a full-time job will see SEPE stop contributing to their pension. The change affects how future pensions are calculated and alters the financial landscape for older jobseekers.
Spanish Law Blocks Mass Deportation of Migrant Minors
Spain’s Supreme Court has ruled that migrant minors, regardless of origin or status, cannot be deported en masse. Each case must be reviewed individually, with full legal protections and oversight.
Spain Now Counts Up to 3 Years of Family Care Toward Retirement
Spanish workers can now count up to three years spent caring for family members as fully credited toward their state pension. The change, in effect since March 2023, aims to recognize unpaid care work—especially by women—and offers new security for those stepping away from their jobs to support relatives.
Gold Hunter’s Video Sparks Debate Over Real Finds in Extremadura
A video showing gold-like fragments in a pan, attributed to Santiago Alba, has circulated online since early 2025. The lack of location, weight, or independent analysis leaves the true nature of the find in question, despite scientific evidence of gold deposits in Extremadura.
French Court Blocks Eviction After Landlord Overcharges Tenants
A landlord in France tried to evict tenants over a locksmith bill, but the court found he had overcharged them by more than €7,700 in rent and expenses. The ruling not only stopped the eviction but forced the landlord to pay the tenants. The case highlights the risks of ignoring rental regulations.
Spain Prepares for Digital-Only EU Driving Licence by 2028
From 2028, Spanish drivers will transition to a digital EU-wide driving licence, ending the need to carry a physical card. The reform brings stricter rules for new drivers, unified penalties, and updated medical checks across Europe.
Interior Pushes for Lower Drink-Driving Limit Before End of Term
Spain’s Interior Ministry is determined to cut the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers. The measure faces resistance in Congress but aims to reduce road deaths. The DGT and victims’ groups back the urgent change.
Retirees in Spain Can Boost Pensions by 25% When Returning to Work
From August 2026, Spanish pensioners who return to part-time work can receive up to 25% more on top of their previous pension. The new law also opens this option to certain self-employed workers, changing how retirement and employment can be combined.
Young Madrid Landlord Sparks Age Discrimination Debate Over Room Rentals
Alba Aldehuela, a 25-year-old property owner in Madrid, chooses tenants with similar routines and avoids renting rooms to retirees. Her approach, highlighted on national television, has reignited questions about age discrimination in Spain’s rental market.
Spain Tightens Vehicle Inspections as Euro 7 Rules Arrive
Spanish authorities now have expanded powers to order extraordinary vehicle inspections if safety is in doubt. With Euro 7 standards coming into force, drivers face tougher checks and higher costs if their vehicles fail to comply.
A Spanish Flag on Your Balcony Could Cost You €3,000 in Catalonia
Mounting a Spanish flag on your balcony is not illegal, but altering the building’s facade to do so can lead to fines of up to €3,000 in Catalonia. The risk comes from how the flag is installed, not the flag itself. Here’s what every homeowner should know before celebrating.
Constitutional Court Upholds Suspension of Key Valencian Coastal Law Articles
Spain's Constitutional Court has kept two disputed articles of the Valencian coastal law suspended. The decision affects property owners and local authorities, while another provision allowing inventories of coastal settlements is now unblocked.
What to Do If You Hit an Animal on Spanish Roads
Every year, thousands of drivers in Spain face the shock of hitting an animal on the road. Knowing how to react can protect your safety, avoid fines, and help injured animals. Here’s what the law and experts say.
How Rocío Turns €950 Rentals Into €1,600 Room-by-Room Income
Rocío Baselga manages dozens of rooms in Bilbao, transforming standard rentals into profitable shared flats. She invests around €3,000 per property and aims to recover it within seven months, but the model depends on careful contracts and constant management.
When Your Neighbors Can Force You to Remove an Inflatable Pool
Inflatable pools on terraces are not banned by default in Spain, but their removal can be demanded if they threaten building safety or violate community rules. Understanding the legal and technical limits is crucial before setting one up at home.
Austria Lets Electric Cars Bypass Emission Speed Limits
Austria has introduced a unique system where electric cars can drive up to 130 km/h on certain highways, while combustion vehicles are restricted to 100 km/h due to emission controls. The rule aims to cut pollution, not just improve safety.
Spain Updates Hospitality Rules for Extreme Heat: What Changes for Terraces
Spain’s hospitality sector faces new climate safety rules after a landmark agreement between unions and employers. The changes focus on protecting outdoor workers during heatwaves, but do not require automatic terrace closures or introduce new fines.
DGT Fines Guardia Civil Patrols for Speeding During Armed Robbery Chase
Two Guardia Civil patrols were fined for speeding while responding to an armed robbery. The automated system flagged their urgent pursuit, sparking a legal dispute that exposed flaws in Spain’s traffic enforcement for emergency vehicles.
Spain Delays Start of Bottle and Can Deposit System
The mandatory deposit for bottles and cans in Spain remains on hold. No official start date has been set, and supermarkets like Mercadona are waiting for clear instructions. The change will impact prices and returns nationwide.
Disability Benefits in Spain: What Changes at 33%, 45% and 65%
A 33% disability rating in Spain opens the door to vital support, but not all benefits are automatic. Higher thresholds like 45% and 65% bring additional rights, from early retirement to non-contributory pensions. Here’s what each level really means for daily life.
UK Club Pushes for Fast-Track Manual License for Automatic Drivers
The RAC is calling for a major change in UK driving rules, suggesting that holders of automatic-only licenses should be able to drive manual cars after just one hour of practical training. The move aims to reflect the rapid shift in the car market and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
National Court Upholds €15,000 Fine for Journalist Over Insider Trading
Spain’s National Court has confirmed a €15,000 fine against an 'El Confidencial' journalist for insider trading. The case marks the first time a Spanish reporter is sanctioned for market abuse. The journalist plans to appeal.
National Court Upholds €15,000 Fine for Journalist Over Insider Trading
Spain’s National Court has confirmed a €15,000 penalty against Agustín Marco, deputy director at El Confidencial, for buying OHL shares with privileged information. The ruling marks a precedent for journalists under market abuse laws.
EU Bans PFAS Chemicals in Food Packaging from August 12
From August 12, the EU enforces strict limits on PFAS in food packaging, marking a major shift for manufacturers and importers. The regulation also sets the stage for unified recycling standards and clearer labeling across Europe by 2030.
Catalan Statutory Council Approves Chamber Law and 'Silver Seats'
Catalonia’s Consell de Garanties Estatutàries has endorsed the new chamber law. The decision confirms the legality of reserved seats for major financial contributors. The move faced criticism from Comuns and CUP over business influence.
Coffee Capsules to Be Legally Classified as Packaging from August
From August, single-use coffee capsules in Spain will be officially treated as packaging under new EU rules. The change brings new obligations for manufacturers and importers, but does not require cafés or restaurants to charge extra per capsule. Here’s what the new classification means for businesses and consumers.
Is It Legal to Carry a Fire Extinguisher in Your Car in Spain?
After a series of car-related wildfires in Spain, many drivers are questioning whether carrying a fire extinguisher in their vehicle is legal or even required. The answer is more nuanced than most expect.
August 15 Holiday Falls on Saturday: Who Gets an Extra Day Off?
In 2026, Spain’s Assumption Day lands on a Saturday, raising questions about who is entitled to a substitute day off. Recent court rulings offer hope for some employees, but the rules remain complex and sector-dependent.
Inside the Demanding Life of Spain’s Independent Truck Drivers
Javier Pájaro, a seasoned truck driver, opens up about the sacrifices and strict routines that define his profession. He highlights the legal limits on driving hours and the impact of long absences on family life.
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