Spain’s DGT recorded 9,126 distraction-related violations during a seven-day October campaign, with mobile phone misuse accounting for 3,816. The checks also found drivers over the alcohol limit and 931 positive drug tests.
Mobile phone misuse accounted for 3,816 cases in Spain’s latest DGT control campaign, more than any other recorded distraction. Across the seven days from 5 to 11 October 2026, officers reported 9,126 drivers for distraction-related offences.
The Guardia Civil de Tráfico inspected 422,927 vehicles using several methods, including roadside checks and cameras. Reports in the phone-related group covered conduct from handling a device to carrying it between the driver’s legs. The source also counted drivers speaking with hands-free systems. The penalty reported for these offences was six points on the driving licence.
Other recorded distractions included 257 cases of reading while driving. Another 136 involved drivers searching for objects while the vehicle was moving. Officers also reported 112 cases involving distraction by passengers. Eating while driving led to 83 reports, while smoking led to 29. The DGT’s magazine, Revista Tráfico y Seguridad Vial, published “Malas costumbres al volante” (“Bad habits behind the wheel”) on 23 October 2026, addressing routine driving behaviour that can compromise road safety.
Misuse of navigation systems accounted for 49 reports. Another 70 involved other communication systems. A further 1,839 reports covered other types of distraction. The figures show the range of conduct counted in the campaign, beyond drivers handling a phone.
The checks also identified drivers combining distraction with other offences: 1,061 were reported for driving above the permitted alcohol limit alongside a distraction. Also, 931 drivers tested positive for drugs. A separate Spanish road-safety discussion examined motorcycle crash risks in this earlier report.
