Drivers who use the M-40 ring road in Madrid on a daily basis face a higher risk of being fined. According to a recent analysis by Automovilistas Europeos Asociados, based on data from the Directorate-General for Traffic, the highest number of traffic violations in the region occur at two sections of this road—at kilometers 20 and 52.
Kilometer 20 stands out in particular: in 2024 alone, 74,873 violations were recorded here, which amounts to roughly 204 fines per day. This section not only tops the list in Madrid but also ranks first nationwide. However, according to the Ministry of Transport, the risk level for this stretch is rated at 4.7 points—significantly lower than, for example, kilometer 10 of the same road, where the figure reaches 46.8 points. In 2022, only four accidents with injuries occurred here, none of which were fatal.
Kilometer 20 of the M-40 is located at the entrance to Mercamadrid, where the speed limit is set at 80 km/h. A stationary speed camera is installed here, with large illuminated signs warning drivers in advance. Despite this, in 2023, this section again ranked first in the region for the number of fines—118,392 cases, which equals 324 violations per day.
The second place in the number of recorded violations is held by kilometer 52 of the M-40, with about 33,000 fines issued in 2024, which is almost identical to last year’s figures. This section is considered more hazardous—with a risk index of 21.6 points—and in 2022, ten accidents involving injuries but no fatalities were reported here.
A regional comparative analysis shows that while the highest absolute number of violations is detected in Andalusia, Madrid leads in relative terms, with an average of 202 fines per kilometer of road. In total, 657,070 fines were issued in the region in 2024, an 8% increase compared to the previous year.
The report highlights the role of hidden speed cameras, which, according to the motorists’ association, significantly increase revenue from fines. The organization also stresses the need to strengthen monitoring on secondary roads, where, according to their data, up to 70% of injury accidents occur.
Among other sections that showed a sharp increase in violations, kilometer 23 of the A-5 between Móstoles and Arroyomolinos stands out: the number of fines there rose from 141 in 2023 to 2,900 in 2024. At kilometer 24 of the A-1, an increase was also registered—up 145% compared to last year.
In 2024, the Madrid municipality registered 2.7 million fines, bringing a record €378 million to the city budget. Most of the violations were related to non-compliance with the Low Emission Zone rules, largely due to the expansion of this area. There was also an increase in fines for violations in loading and unloading zones, while penalties for speeding, drunk driving, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, and not wearing a seatbelt decreased.
The use of more than 400 cameras to monitor the entry of vehicles without proper stickers led to a 1,331% increase in fines. However, courts are increasingly canceling such fines due to the absence of entry restriction signs in the photos.
