Traveling by car in Spain: how many people can be transported in a car and what are the consequences of violating the rules

By TravelWiseOct 17, 2023 19:27 PMNews
Share:
Traveling by car in Spain: how many people can be transported in a car and what are the consequences of violating the rules
In Spain, you cannot travel in a large company by car if there are not enough seats for everyone. Source: Freepik

Tourists planning a road trip in Spain may wonder how many people are allowed to travel in a car. It happens that on short trips you want to squeeze in order to travel in a large company, but this is dangerous for passengers and is the basis for sanctions.

You should not put younger friends or adult children on your lap or otherwise try to squeeze into a car that is not designed for many seats. Theleader.info has a detailed article on what guests and residents of Spain should know.

The Reglamento General de Circulación, the Spanish traffic law, states in Article 9: "The number of people transported in a vehicle may not exceed the number of seats."

Traveling by car in Spain: how many people can be transported in a car and what are the consequences of violating the rules
For violation of Article 9 in Spain, you may be fined. Source: Pexels

So, if the car is designed for a driver, one passenger in the front and three in the back, no more than 5 people can ride. You also need to take into account the amount of luggage, if any. The weight of the vehicle with people and things cannot exceed the permissible limit.

If the car is overfilled by 50%, not including the driver, this is considered a very serious violation and is estimated at 500 euros.

If 50% of the maximum allowed is not exceeded, the violation will be considered minor. A fine of 80 euros will be imposed on the driver.

All passengers must wear seat belts. Those who do not fasten their seat belts due to a lack of belts will pay a fine of 200 euros. This applies, in particular, to passengers who do not have enough seats.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Luxair aircraft taking off over the coast

Luxair Opens Scotland’s New Link to Luxembourg

Jul 12, 2026 23:22 PM
Colourful seaside village on the Italian coast

Stansted Now Flies to 30 Italian Destinations

Jul 12, 2026 23:19 PM

TAP Restores Venezuela Flights via Valencia

Jul 12, 2026 23:06 PM

Passenger Nearly Pulled Through Ryanair Window

Jul 12, 2026 22:53 PM
TUI Airways Boeing 737 in flight

TUI Cuts Free Alcohol on Long-Haul Flights

Jul 11, 2026 20:57 PM
Palacio Bellas Artes hotel building in San Sebastián

San Sebastián Turns Old Cinema Into Hotel

Jul 11, 2026 20:44 PM
Lake Como view with villa and mountains

Lake Como Village Bans Shirtless Tourists

Jul 11, 2026 20:31 PM
Bilbao city view with mountains and red sign

Wrocław Gets a Direct Route to Basque Country

Jul 11, 2026 20:29 PM
Aerial rendering of the planned Port Polska airport terminal

Poland’s New Mega Airport Finally Moves Ahead

Jul 11, 2026 20:16 PM

Eurostar Launches £35 Summer Rail Sale

Jul 11, 2026 20:03 PM

Eurowings Opens Berlin’s Route to Kavala

Jul 10, 2026 05:18 AM
Rendering of Hilton Thessaloniki in the FIX district

Hilton Heads for Thessaloniki’s Old Brewery

Jul 10, 2026 05:05 AM
Snow-covered Tromsø waterfront in winter

Glasgow Lands a Direct Tromsø Winter Route

Jul 9, 2026 23:02 PM
German flag outside the Reichstag in Berlin

Vilnius–Berlin Flights Join Wizz Air’s Winter Map

Jul 9, 2026 22:57 PM
Lobby at Fortuna of Cappadocia hotel

A Hilltop Marriott Arrives in Cappadocia

Jul 9, 2026 22:44 PM

Brits Still Pack Home in the Suitcase

Jul 9, 2026 20:41 PM

The Eiffel Tower Turns Into a Free Cinema

Jul 9, 2026 20:39 PM
Copenhagen Nyhavn harbour lit up at night

Newcastle–Copenhagen Flights Stay for Winter

Jul 8, 2026 23:16 PM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft landing in blue sky

TAP Cuts Fares to Canada, US and Brazil

Jul 8, 2026 23:03 PM
Lobby bar at The Dean Munich hotel

New Design Hotel Opens in One of Munich’s Most Local Neighbourhoods

Jul 8, 2026 22:58 PM
UK airport terminal sign for all gates

Eight-Year-Olds Can Now Use UK eGates

Jul 8, 2026 22:45 PM
Yellow car parked on a Salzburg street

Salzburg Puts Tourist Cars on Pause

Jul 7, 2026 22:42 PM

Sleep Next Door to Olympia’s Big Shows

Jul 7, 2026 21:57 PM

Tiny Passport Rip Stops Lanzarote Holiday

Jul 7, 2026 21:44 PM
Close-up of Vilnius TV Tower at sunset

Vilnius Has a Table in the Sky

Jul 7, 2026 21:31 PM
Stansted Express train at a station platform

Stansted Express Tests Night Trains

Jul 7, 2026 21:29 PM