Spain police issue fines for the following objects in cars « Euro Weekly News

Next time you are in your car, even if just doing for quick store run, going out for dinner with the family, or even on a road trip somewhere for work or vacation with the kids, watch out for certain objects that could catch the Guardia Civil’s attention.

It’s common to have a mug with steaming coffee when headed bright and early for work. When driving children to school or picking them up after classes, they might have a toy, a school project, and their backpacks.

Many others are so attached to their pets that they might have Scooby sitting next to them or in the back seat. We’ve all seen Pup Tart taking a breather out of somebody’s car window on the road to the beach. Well, it might be time to be more careful and avoid certain items because the Guardia Civil doesn’t only just watch for speeding cars, folks on the phone or drunk drivers anymore, they will also slap a fine to those with the following items based on Spain’s transit authority DGT recently released new rules.

The new provisions aimed at increasing road safety cover everything from firearms and knives to police radars, dice hanging from a rearview mirror, and loose objects that could pose a risk of injury.

Here is Euro Weekly News’ list:

1. Pets or other animals. If they are loose inside the cabin of a vehicle, they are considered highly dangerous, so expect a fine if the police stop you.
2. Loose objects: These can include bottles, drinking glasses, coffee mugs, electronic devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, and iPads), backpacks, tools, and other items that police determine pose a risk of injury or harm. Yes, you got it! These carry fines as well.
3. Cargo: If incorrectly positioned or fastened, such as bicycles, skis, or luggage, even if on roof racks, it may prompt police to stop you and issue a fine.
4. Objects and visibility. Any object impeding proper visibility from the front or rear will also result in a fine.
5. Speed camera detectors: If caught, you will receive a 500-euro fine and three points deducted from your driver’s licence.
6. Thermal vision monocular without the proper licence and documents is highly frowned upon, and could be considered an indication that illegal hunting is taking place. This violation can result in a fine of up to 60,000 euros. 
7. Firearms are also prohibited without a proper licence and a justification, and carry fines of at least 30,000 euros. However, even if the driver or others in the car have a valid licence and justification, there are several conditions for transporting them, such as that they must be unloaded and properly stored in a case or holster. It is best to store in the trunk or glove box (also known as the glove compartment).
8. Drones: If you’re taking your drone out somewhere for fun without a permit, you may also be fined.
9. Baseball bats or other similar objects could be considered weapons. In the case of baseball bats, unless you prove you are going or coming from a game, you will be fined.  In any case, it’s best to carry them in the boot or trunk of the car because the Guardia Civil could fine as it could cause injury if projected due to an abrupt vehicle movement.
10. Drones If you’re taking your drone out somewhere for fun and without a permit, you may be fined as well.
11. Toxic or flammable substances without regulation. If not properly transported, they carry severe fines.
12. Fireworks or other explosive devices can also result in a fine of up to 30,000 euros for those transporting them in their vehicles. 
13. Thermal vision monocular without the proper licence and documents is highly frowned upon, and could be considered an indication that illegal hunting is taking place. This violation can result in a fine of up to 60,000 euros. 
14. Firearms are also prohibited without a proper licence and a justification, and carry fines of at least 30,000 euros. However, even if the driver or others in the car have a valid licence and justification, there are several conditions for transporting them, such as that they must be unloaded and stored correctly in a case or holster. It is best to store it in the trunk or glove box (also known as the glove compartment).
15. Ammunition that has not been registered or that exceeds the permitted amount can carry a fine of up to 30,000 euros.
16. Combat knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, and other knives with blades greater than 11 cm are banned and can carry fines from 300 to 30,000 euros.

Flashlights modified to blind or release an electrical shock to animals could result in a fine of 601 euros to 30,000 euros. It is best not to transport other hunting or unauthorized surveillance equipment, as this can also result in a fine.