Spain DGT reports high mobile phone distraction rates

A recent surveillance campaign conducted by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and the Guardia Civil between October 5 and 11, 2026, revealed significant driver distraction issues across Spain. During this week, agents performed 8,584 controls on 422,927 vehicles, resulting in 9,245 citations for various distracting behaviors.

Mobile phone misuse was the most prevalent infraction, accounting for 42.3% of the total citations, with 3,816 drivers penalized for holding a phone while driving. This specific violation can lead to the loss of six points from a driver's license. Other notable infractions included using headphones or helmets (441 cases), fastening seatbelts while the vehicle was in motion (421 cases), reading while driving (257 cases), and searching for objects (136 cases).

Regional data showed specific trends, such as León recording 86 citations and Cuenca recording 88, with mobile phone use remaining a primary risk factor in both provinces. Additionally, the campaign identified instances of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.