UK drivers in Spain face £173 fine if they forget 1 thing | Travel News | Travel

Brits driving while on holiday in Spain have been warned of a potential £173 fine. The Guardia Civil is cracking down on drivers breaking the law, and it is looking at one thing in particular.

Spanish law requires motorists to have the means to continue to drive after getting a puncture. That means cars need to have one of the following: a spare tyre, the tools to put it on, and signalling equipment; a temporary spare wheel for a short drive to a garage, tools, and signalling equipment; or a puncture repair kit. If any of the items needed for each choice is missing, such as having a spare tyre but not tools or an expired puncture kit, this will be treated as non-compliance and the driver will be fined. The Guardia Civil is reportedly checking boots to ensure that cars have one of the means to drive after a puncture.

These new crackdowns are not only to ensure compliance with the law but also to reduce crashes caused by cars being pulled over to the side of the road.

Brits driving in Spain are urged to check their boot for one of the three options and ensure everything is present, in date, and in good working order.

They should also inspect their tyres. They must not be worn below 1.6 mm, show cracks or bulges, or be mixed types on the same axle. Each defective tyre can also lead to fines of up to £173.

Tourists could also face fines for smoking. Smoking and vaping are now banned on many beaches across Spain, with those caught breaking the rules facing fines up to £1,726.

In some areas in Spain, it is also illegal to walk around in just a swimsuit. You could be fined if you’re caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets

Since December, Spanish hotels, holiday apartments, and car rental companies have been forced to collect a large amount of personal information from tourists. Failure to comply with the new rules will see businesses handed fines of £24,800.