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How Spain's Speed Cameras Decide When to Fine Drivers

An advisory explains the different tolerance margins for fixed, mobile and section radars, warning that larger excesses bring fines, licence-point loss or rare criminal charges.

Overview

  • Fixed cameras use a 5 km/h margin on roads under 100 km/h and a 5% margin above 100 km/h so, for example, a 90 km/h limit is sanctioned from about 95 km/h and a 120 km/h limit from about 126 km/h.
  • Mobile cameras apply a 7 km/h margin below 100 km/h and a 7% margin above 100 km/h, which means a 90 km/h road is sanctioned from about 97 km/h and a 120 km/h road from about 128 km/h.
  • Section (tramo) radars enforce more tightly with a 3 km/h margin under 100 km/h and a 3% margin over 100 km/h, so a 90 km/h limit can be sanctioned from roughly 93 km/h.
  • The advisory reminds drivers that fines rise with the size of the speed excess, that sanctions can include loss of licence points, and that the most serious, very high‑speed cases can lead to criminal proceedings.
  • Published ahead of heavy holiday travel, the guidance aims to reduce violations by giving clear numeric thresholds and urging drivers to stick to posted limits to avoid escalating penalties and court risk.