Spain’s DGT will now fine drivers 200 euros for continuing to drive with a flat tyre. The move targets one of the most dangerous habits on Spanish roads and spells out the real risks of ignoring a puncture.
Police in Spain can now stop you and issue a 200 euro fine if you keep driving with a flat tyre. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has set a clear rule: if you ignore a puncture and keep going, you risk your safety and your wallet.
When a tyre loses air, the car becomes unstable. Every extra meter makes it harder to control. The wheel itself can be ruined in seconds. RACE has warned that even a short drive on a flat can wreck the inside of the tyre. What starts as a small problem can turn into a real danger fast.
If police determine that more than one tyre is unsafe, the 200 euro fine can be applied to each problematic wheel, multiplying the total penalty.
Some drivers think modern Runflat tyres let them bend the rules. These tyres are built to carry the car for a short distance after losing pressure. They use reinforced sides and a special bead. But the protection only lasts for a set distance. Go past that, and the risk comes back.
The DGT is not punishing bad luck. There is no fine for just having a puncture. The penalty hits when a driver chooses to keep going in a way that puts people at risk. If police see that a flat tyre makes the car unsafe, the 200 euro fine is immediate. Moncloa.com and Diaridetarragona.com both report that this rule is about road safety, not about the simple fact of a puncture.
If you get a puncture, the DGT says to act fast. Turn on your hazard lights. Slow down and pull over safely. Use a V-16 emergency beacon if you have one. Always put on a reflective vest before you get out. These steps are now more than just good advice. They are required if you want to avoid danger and a heavy fine.
If a tyre is found to be in an especially dangerous condition, authorities may immobilize the vehicle on the spot, prohibiting further movement until the defect is fixed. This measure is intended to prevent accidents and is applied in addition to any fines.
The DGT has a history of strict safety rules. The agency has refused to relax the law on V16 beacons, as reported earlier, and fines still apply for drivers who skip the latest safety gear. Newtral.es and Aragón Digital confirm that from January 1, 2026, a connected V-16 beacon will be required. The DGT has denied any rumors about softening these rules.
Spain’s roads are crowded. There is little room for mistakes. The DGT’s new rule is a warning to drivers who take chances. If you keep driving after a puncture, you will pay. The message is clear. When a tyre fails, stopping is not just smart. It is now the law.
