France, Spain tighten road traffic rules with new fines

In France, a 2026 amendment to road‑traffic law requires drivers to keep four documents—valid driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, proof of a recent technical inspection, and proof of insurance—available in the glovebox. Failure to present any of these can result in a fine ranging from €11 to a maximum of €750 after a five‑day grace period.

Spain has updated its traffic code in 2025 to extend penalties to passengers as well as drivers. Infractions such as not wearing a seat‑belt can attract a €200 fine, while littering or discarding objects from a vehicle may be penalised up to €500. Other prohibited behaviours for passengers, like placing feet on the dashboard or lying down in the vehicle, can lead to fines of up to €100. The changes aim to improve road safety across both countries.