Spain mulls heftier traffic fines for higher earners

Spain's Directorate General for Traffic (DGT) is considering a progressive fine structure for traffic violations in the country, tailoring fines to drivers’ financial means.

In other words, the higher your income the higher the fine.

This model of progressive fines is already in use in several other European countries such as Denmark, Switzerland and the UK, and essentially sets fines at different levels depending on the offender’s income.

READ ALSO: Spain rejects proposal to lower drink-driving limit

This would mean, in theory, that the same offence would not cost the same for a driver earning €20,000 per year as it would a driver earning €60,000 or €80,000 per year.

There are currently three types of traffic penalties in Spain: minor offences, with a fine of up to €100; serious offences, up to €200; and very serious offences, which carry fines of €500 and may also result in points.

The DGT is reportedly considering the new sanction structure following a proposal by far-left party Sumar, the junior coalition partner in Spain's leftist government.

According to reports from car website Autopista, the director of the DGT, Pere Navarro, has expressed support for this measure but that does not mean the fine system will change anytime soon.

The traffic boss has himself admitted that tackling an issue like this is complex, despite being behind the idea.

"I agree with the idea of income-based fines," he said, adding, "as for fines based on income, we can agree with the idea, but at the moment the complexity of getting involved in an issue like this is immense.

"Nor would it be easy for the DGT to be given access to all citizens’ tax returns, and there is also the view that it is the Ministry of Finance’s role to address inequalities through the tax return system. This is the tax system whereby those who have more pay more, and those who have less pay less. The idea is sound, I agree with it, but I can see it presents significant complexity".

Sumar’s proposal is to increase these amounts by 150 percent for drivers with incomes between €70,000 and €85,000, by 300 percent for those with incomes between €85,000 and €100,000, and by 500 percent for those with incomes above €100,000.

Just as there would be an increase for drivers with higher incomes, there would be a reduction for those earning less, though it remains unclear how much a means-tested discount would be.

READ ALSO: What are the drink driving limits and penalties in Spain?