Many British tourists assume that a parking ticket picked up during a holiday in Spain can simply be ignored once they return home.

But according to Alex Radford, at My Lawyer In Spain, warns that assumption could prove to be an expensive mistake.

Radford, who is trained in both UK and Spanish law, says authorities in Spain are increasingly able to pursue unpaid fines across borders, while debts can also grow significantly over time through surcharges and enforcement costs.

Can Spain chase you after you’ve returned to the UK?

‘Yes, they can,’ Radford told the Spanish Eye.

‘We have seen Trafico (Spain’s traffic authority) liaise with HMRC in the UK to ensure payment.’

While Brexit changed many aspects of UK-EU cooperation, Radford says there are still mechanisms available for Spanish authorities to pursue outstanding debts.

Does it matter who issued the fine?

According to Radford, yes.

Fines issued by the police or local councils generally benefit from greater cooperation between Spain and the UK.

Private parking companies face a different process, but that doesn’t mean they are powerless.

‘Private parking companies can obtain a court order for payment and then enforce this in the UK,’ he explained.

Will the fine still be waiting if you return to Spain?

Absolutely. Radford warns that unpaid parking or traffic fines do not simply disappear over time.

‘Yes,’ he said when asked whether an unpaid fine could affect someone returning to Spain years later.

He added that the amount owed can also increase through surcharges, interest and enforcement costs.

Could Spanish authorities seize money from your bank account?

Potentially, yes. Radford said that once a court judgment has been obtained, enforcement action can extend beyond simply demanding payment.

‘Once a judgment is obtained, monies could be taken from a bank account in Spain or abroad,’ he explained.

Are British expats at greater risk?

Britons living in Spain are generally easier to pursue because they have identifiable assets within the country.

‘People with assets in Spain will be tracked sooner,’ Radford explained.

‘But those without assets could still be tracked down in their home countries.’

The biggest mistake Brits make

Radford says the most common misconception is believing that a Spanish parking fine can simply be thrown away.

‘Don’t throw them away. Ignore them at your risk,’ he warned.

He also recalled one client driving a UK-registered vehicle without valid UK road tax.

The driver was stopped by Spanish police, fined, and required to pay the outstanding UK vehicle tax immediately, demonstrating the level of cooperation that can exist between Spanish and UK authorities.

For anyone receiving a parking or traffic fine while visiting Spain, Radford’s advice is to deal with it promptly rather than hoping it will disappear, as it could ultimately cost far more than the original ticket.