3,816 drivers caught out: Spain reveals mobile phone crackdown results

More than 3,800 drivers across Spain have been caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel following a nationwide crackdown announced by the DGT earlier this month. The results, released on Monday, October 19, reveal that traffic officers detected 9,245 distraction-related offences after checking more than 422,000 vehicles during seven days of increased roadside enforcement.

Mobile phones account for four in 10 offences

Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) confirmed that 3,816 drivers were reported for improper mobile phone use during the campaign, which ran from October 5 to 11. That represents 42.3 per cent of all the distraction-related offences recorded by the Guardia Civil’s traffic division.

Drivers caught holding and using a mobile phone while driving face a €200 fine and the loss of six points from their driving licence. For British residents who have exchanged their UK licences for Spanish ones, the penalties are particularly relevant because Spain operates a points-based driving licence system.

The latest figures show just how common phone-related distractions remain on Spanish roads, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of checking messages, making calls or handling a device while driving.

What else did traffic officers catch?

Mobile phone use was not the only behaviour attracting fines during the nationwide operation. Officers recorded hundreds of other offences involving drivers who took their attention away from the road.

The second most common category involved wearing headphones or earphones connected to sound-playing devices, which accounted for 441 reports. Another 421 drivers were reported for fastening their seatbelts while already driving.

Other offences recorded during the seven-day campaign included:

• 257 drivers reported for reading while driving.
• 136 drivers caught looking for objects while their vehicles were moving.
• 112 drivers distracted by other occupants in their vehicles.
• 83 drivers reported for eating while driving.
• 70 drivers penalised for improper use of other communication systems.
• 49 drivers reported for improper use of satellite navigation systems.
• 29 drivers caught smoking while driving.

Another 1,839 reports covered other types of distraction. In total, Guardia Civil traffic officers carried out 8,584 checks and identified 9,126 vehicles with offences related to distractions, according to the DGT’s breakdown. The authority recorded 9,245 reports across the campaign, reflecting its headline total of reported offences.

Alcohol and drugs also detected

Officers also identified drivers who combined distraction-related behaviour with suspected or confirmed substance-related offences. According to the DGT, 1,061 drivers were reported for exceeding the permitted alcohol limit while also committing a distraction-related offence. A further 931 drivers tested positive for drugs during the operation.

These findings underline why roadside checks can involve more than simply watching for drivers holding their phones. Drivers whose attention is impaired by alcohol, drugs or other activities can put themselves, their passengers and other road users at risk.

Why the DGT is targeting distracted drivers

Distraction has been one of the leading contributing factors in fatal road accidents in Spain. The DGT reported that it featured in 444 fatal crashes during 2025, accounting for 32 per cent of deadly road accidents recorded that year.

The authority’s October operation was designed to discourage behaviours that take drivers’ eyes, hands or concentration away from the road. It formed part of a wider effort to improve road safety through increased surveillance and enforcement.

For drivers, the practical message is straightforward: set your navigation before setting off, keep your phone out of your hands and avoid activities that divert your attention from driving.

Drivers can find the full breakdown in the DGT’s official results of the October distraction crackdown.