Spain's DGT recommends officially registering the main driver if someone else regularly uses your car. This move aims to ensure fines reach the actual driver, not just the vehicle owner. The measure has sparked debate over privacy and control.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is calling on vehicle owners in Spain to formally notify authorities if someone else regularly drives their car. The agency warns that failing to do so can result in traffic fines and penalty points being assigned to the vehicle owner, even when they were not behind the wheel at the time of the infraction. This recommendation, highlighted on the program 'Herrera en COPE', is designed to ensure that responsibility for traffic violations falls on the actual driver, not automatically on the registered owner.
The DGT's approach is not without controversy. During the broadcast, concerns were raised about the potential for increased surveillance, with some suggesting that the measure could be seen as a new way for authorities to monitor drivers more closely. Despite these reservations, the DGT maintains that the main goal is to prevent fraudulent practices, such as owners shifting fines and the associated loss of license points to others who did not commit the offense. This often occurs when owners claim, for example, that an elderly relative was driving at the time of the violation.
According to the DGT, a 'habitual driver' is defined as someone who uses a vehicle for more than 30 consecutive days. For rental vehicles, this period is reduced to just over three days. To make the registration effective, the habitual driver must be informed and must give explicit consent to receive notifications of any sanctions directly. The process can be completed in several ways: the owner can obtain written consent from the driver, register the driver directly with the DGT, or update the information if the arrangement changes or ends.
This system is particularly relevant for companies managing large fleets or rental agencies, as it allows them to automate the process and handle multiple vehicles at once. For private individuals, the measure is intended to streamline the notification of fines and ensure that penalties are assigned fairly. While owners have always had the option to identify the actual driver after receiving a fine, the DGT's new push aims to close loopholes that have allowed some to avoid responsibility or manipulate the points system.
In Spain, the points-based driving license system means that accumulating infractions can lead to the suspension of driving privileges. Ensuring that fines and points are attributed to the correct person is therefore critical for both legal and practical reasons. The DGT's recommendation reflects ongoing efforts to modernize traffic enforcement and reduce administrative disputes. As of 2026, digital platforms have made it easier for owners to update driver information, but the debate over privacy and state oversight continues. According to official data, Spain has over 24 million registered vehicles, making accurate driver identification a significant administrative challenge.
