The DGT can fine you up to €200 for having a car so unbelievably dirty it affects safety, with the recent heavy calimas around Spain, people should be aware. 

Driving a dirty car in Spain is not illegal by itself. Spanish traffic law does not penalise vehicle cleanliness as a general condition. However, this changes when dirt affects road safety, particularly by reducing visibility or obscuring identifying elements.

What the DGT actually says about driving a dirty car in Spain

According to the Direccion General de Trafico (DGT), drivers must ensure that license plates are fully readable, lights function properly and are visible and that windows and mirrors allow clear visibility. 

Spanish traffic regulations require that vehicles be maintained in a condition that guarantees safe circulation at all times. If dirt interferes with any of these elements, enforcement action can be taken.

Calima can make your car at risk fast

Calima, a weather event caused by Saharan dust reaching Spain, can cover vehicles in a fine layer of sand within hours.

In southern regions such as Andalusia and the Canary Islands, calima episodes are frequent and can reduce air visibility significantly, deposit dust that quickly clings to surfaces and obscure license plates and lights in less than a day. 

This rapid change means a vehicle that was compliant in the morning can become legally unsafe to drive later the same day.

Fines explained and where not to wash your car

Fines are issued depending on the type of risks created and can be anywhere between €80 to €200 depending on what is found to be obscured. 

A word of warning though, it is also illegal to wash your car in the street as it is seen as dumping waste or obstructing a public space, and can result in fines ranging from €30 to over €3,000 depending on the town or city. The safest bet is to take it to a specific car wash to avoid any risks. 

Can my car be towed?

In Spain, vehicles are not towed simply for being dirty. However, towing can occur if the condition of the car leads to serious safety or legal violations. A vehicle may be removed by a tow truck if it is deemed unsafe to operate on public roads, obstructs traffic or poses a hazard or is improperly parked or abandoned

Steps to avoid the fine

• Check that your license plate is fully visible before driving
• Clean your windscreen and mirrors regularly during dust events
• Ensure headlights and brake lights are not covered
• Avoid driving if visibility is significantly reduced
• Do not wait for rain as often this will turn into mud making the matter worse. 

During calima episodes, maintenance may need to be daily or even more frequent, depending on dust intensity to avoid the penalty. Check the DGT for up to date information.