In Spain, it is estimated that more than 100,000 people drive with a driver’s license without points
Each of us can get a traffic ticket at some point in our lives. Some have only an economic penalty and others additionally the withdrawal of a certain number of points. As the months or years go by, it is very likely that we forget the fines that have taken away our points, and even how many points we have on our card, until one day a surprise arrives in the form of a letter from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), announcing that we have run out of points.
And the first thing you need to know is that with a license without points
you cannot drive a vehicle. Yet in Spain it is estimated that more than 100,000 people drive with a driver’s license without points, according to AMV. And they face serious consequences, since according to Article 384 of the Penal Code, driving a vehicle after losing all the points of the license is a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment of 3 to 6 months, a fine from 12 to 24 months or working for the benefit of the community from 30 to 90 days.
Actually, the amount we have to pay is determined by a judge, there have been cases where the penalties were up to 6,000 euros, but normally the fine is between 1,500 and 2,000 euros, which is no nonsense.
And not only that. If we drive a vehicle while we have lost all points and cause a traffic accident with the opposite, our insurance will cover the mandatory third party liability, but in such a situation the insurance company can claim the reimbursed amount based on the fact that we have a accident caused with an invalid driver’s license.
In no case will it cover our damage even if we have insured the vehicle against all risks.
If we have lost all points on our map, we will have to execute
a traffic awareness and re-education course and a theory exam at the Provincial Traffic Bureau. The course lasts 24 hours over two consecutive days (Friday afternoon and Saturday morning) of 6 hours each over 2 consecutive weekends. The costs also depend on the Autonomous Community: Catalonia 424.07 euros, the Basque Country 433.02 euros, Ceuta and Melilla 355 euros, the Canary Islands 345.05 euros and the rest of Spain 401.45 euros.
This course can be taken from the notification that the license has expired, but the exam cannot be taken until 6 months have passed from the notification of withdrawal of the driving license, 3 months in the case of a professional driver.
If we are repeat offenders, that is, if we lose our card again in the 3 years after we get it back, we will only be able to examine ourselves after 12 months, 6 for professionals. Upon completion, a paper certificate stating that the course has been completed with satisfactory use will be issued, which will also be sent to the corresponding Provincial Traffic Headquarters.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
