Licence points and identifying the driver in Spain: how the saldo works
In Spain the driving licence carries a points balance (permiso por puntos): serious infractions cost both money and points. And if a fine arrives but you were not driving, you must identify the driver in time — failing to do so is a separate, bigger fine. This guide explains the points system, how to check and recover your balance, the driver-identification duty, and what happens if you reach zero.
Points are separate from paying the fine
The Spanish licence works on a points balance: you start with a set number and lose points on grave / muy grave infractions.
Paying the fine and losing points are two different things — a sanction can cost you money and points at the same time.
If the vehicle owner was not driving, they must identify the driver when notified; not identifying is its own, larger sanction.
Who it affects
- Any holder of a Spanish (or exchanged) licence who commits a grave or muy grave infraction.
- Vehicle owners who receive a fine but were not the driver — they carry the duty to identify who was.
- Newer drivers, who begin with a smaller balance than experienced ones.
- Drivers who run out of points — DGT processes the loss of validity, and after the final resolution is notified they cannot drive until they obtain the licence again.
NAVICheck my fine — the grounds to appeal and how not to miss the deadline
NAVI will help prepare written objections (alegaciones).
Your rights
- You can check your points balance (saldo de puntos) free at the DGT — online or in the miDGT app.
- If the infraction is annulled on appeal, the points are returned.
- You can recover points: gradually over a period without infractions, or by taking an authorised recovery / awareness course.
- After losing all points there is a route back: the required loss-of-validity period, a course and a test.
What you need
- The notification: organism, infraction type, the points it carries and who was recorded driving.
- Your licence and your DGT points balance.
- For driver identification: the real driver’s data (name, NIF/NIE and licence).
How to handle it
- Check your points balance at the DGT (sede electrónica or the miDGT app).
- If you were not driving, identify the driver within the deadline in the notification.
- If you disagree with the infraction itself, appeal it (alegaciones / recurso).
- To recover points: let the no-infraction period pass, or take an authorised recovery course.
- If the loss of validity for zero points is final: wait the required period, take the course and pass the test.
- Keep your balance healthy — graves and muy graves are what cost points.
Common mistakes
- Thinking paying the fine restores the points — it does not; they are separate.
- Not identifying the driver in time — that triggers a bigger, separate fine.
- Assuming points come back immediately — recovery takes a period or a course.
- Driving after reaching zero points can be a criminal road-safety offence under Código Penal art. 384.
If you reach zero points
- When the balance hits zero, DGT processes the loss of validity; after the final resolution is notified, you recover the licence only after the required period plus an awareness/re-education course and a test.
- If the driver-identification fine is wrong (e.g. you did identify in time), you can appeal it like any sanction.
Points or driver-ID doubts? Ask NAVI — free
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Related guides
Points & driver-ID FAQ
Is paying the fine the same as keeping my points?
No. They are separate — a grave/muy grave infraction can cost you both money and points.
How do I check my points?
Free at the DGT: the sede electrónica or the miDGT app show your saldo de puntos.
How do I recover points?
Either gradually over a period without new infractions, or by taking an authorised recovery course.
What if I was not the driver?
You must identify the real driver within the deadline; failing to identify is a separate, larger fine.
What happens at zero points?
After the final loss-of-validity resolution you cannot drive; you recover the licence after a period plus a course and a test.
Do annulled fines return the points?
Yes — if the infraction is annulled on appeal, the points are restored.
Can I drive after losing all points?
No — driving after the licence loses validity for lack of points can be a criminal road-safety offence under Código Penal art. 384.
Where are the official rules?
The DGT and the Ley de Tráfico (RDLeg 6/2015) — check the current text and your case.
Official sources
- DGT — points permit
- DGT — recovery of points and permit
- DGT — fines and driver identification
- Ley de Tráfico (RDLeg 6/2015) — BOE
- Código Penal art. 384 — BOE
Informational guide, not legal advice. Point amounts and recovery periods can change — check the DGT and your case with NAVI.
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