The latest road safety campaign by Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has revealed a worrying trend in Andalucia.
According to the fines and sanctions issued between October 6 and 12 nearly half of all offences related to a dangerous habit that could cost you six points off your licence.
Of the 1,645 fines issued by Guardia Civil traffic officers, in coordination with local police across the region, 726 (44.13%) were for drivers manually using their phones.
This offence carries a six-point penalty on the driver’s licence under current Spanish traffic law.
Although slightly down on the previous campaign (by around 4.8%), the figures confirm that phone use remains the most common and dangerous driving distraction in the region.
In total, officers monitored 78,530 vehicles and carried out 1,342 roadside checks, leading to 1,617 reports of distracted driving and related violations.
Other risky behaviours identified
The operation also uncovered a range of other dangerous habits:
- 107 drivers (6.5%) were fined for fastening their seatbelt while already driving, often after spotting police.
- 96 people (5.8%) were caught using headphones or earpieces, or adjusting GPS systems other than mobile phones — both banned under traffic laws.
Alcohol and drug-related distractions
Substance use was another area of concern. Preventive checks detected:
- 342 drivers who had both committed a distraction offence and tested positive for alcohol or drugs.
- 153 cases (9.3%) involved alcohol above the legal limit.
- 189 (11.5%) tested positive for drugs.
DGT emphasised that intoxicated driving drastically increases the risk of distraction and loss of control, especially when combined with other infractions.
Officers also fined drivers for other in-vehicle distractions such as smoking, eating, reading documents and talking or turning towards passengers.
These accounted for 7.6% of all offences during the campaign.
DGT: Behaviour not improving despite harsher penalties
The findings highlight a persistent challenge for traffic authorities. Despite awareness campaigns and stricter penalties, many drivers in Andalucía continue to engage in high-risk behaviour, endangering both themselves and others.
The DGT is expected to step up both preventive enforcement and public education, especially ahead of the Christmas travel period, which is another peak time for accidents caused by distractions.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
