Error: it was not possible to conduct the operation

The DGT payment platform is having issues with given cards, especially when trying to pay a fine from third countries. The error message is pretty vague: 'Error: it was not possible to conduct the operation'.

In these cases the only alternative seems to be making a bank transfer.

I paid a speeding ticket by transfer. Now what?

When paying a Spanish fine by transfer it is very important to include the 'dossier number' or 'N. Expediente' in the transfer form, ideally in the comments field.

Anyway, and according to what I have read in different forums, Facebook groups and blogs, it is advisable that you keep a copy of the bank statement and send it by fax to the Spanish Traffic Authority. This way they will have the copy in their records and will be able to track the payment in case it is not registered once the early payment period has expired. You can get a copy of the bank statement via your online banking account.

You should send a copy of this bank statement to the following fax number, 0034902512151. You can include the reference number again in the document and a short text, something like 'Find attached a copy of the bank transfer statement. Do please note that the transfer was made WITHIN the early payment window. / Best regards, XX'.

Send this fax in case you receive a second notification and you already paid by transfer.

Got a Spanish ticket from September, October or November? Get the 50% reduction!

You were in Spain for a couple of weeks last September, October or November and you get a ticket in January... Hm, 100 euro, maybe 300 euro... Oh, there seems to be a reduction for early payment, but you got the letter too late! 

Ok, no worries on that respect. As far as we have confirmed (and so have our readers), you can still get the reduction. All you have to do is making a call to the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT or CTDA, depending on the type of fine) and inform them that you have only just received the ticket. 

The number you should dial is 0034 902 508 686. This number is valid from the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Norway, France, Portugal... And there are always English and French operators available (just wait until a person answers in Spanish and let them know that you want to speak either English or French, you will be transferred immediately). 

For further information, check our FAQ.

Spanish tickets for German and Dutch cars

I'm surprised and grateful for your comments. Within the last couple of days three readers have left a comment to confirm whether they can be fined by the Spanish DGT (two from the Netherlands, one from Germany). The answer is YES. The European Commission passed a law earlier this year that allows EU countries to share drivers' data. As far as we have found out thanks to your comments, Spanish fines are being sent to France, the Netherlands and Germany (we are talking about car with their own, local plates... Tickets for rental cars make their way all around the world).

Anyone else, from a different country, has received a ticket from Spain while driving with his own car? Portugal maybe? Italy? 

If so, do please leave a comment! 

Many French visitors in the last few weeks

Spain and France signed a reciprocal agreement to share car owners information, and in the last few months both Spanish and French drivers have received the first cross-border fines. That is probably why some French readers found this blog.

My sources in Spain tell me that the letter sent to French drivers might be confusing, but CTDA seems to have French speaking operators, so for any doubt or question call them straight away and demand any information that you need.

I can't yet confirm whether the trick to get the discount (calling and saying that you just received the fine) works for French drivers, comments regarding this or any other point are welcome.

Speeding in Spain: two facts and the new EU directive

As of May 2015, a new EU traffic directive will make sure that every EU country shares car owner information so that eight different traffic violations can be enforced.

According to EU figures, foreign drivers account for 5% of the road traffic and about 15% of the speed offences.

All of the offences enforced by this directive are considered major road safety offences:

1. Speeding;
2. Not using a seatbelt;
3. Not stopping at a red traffic light or other mandatory stop signal;
4. Drink driving;
5. Driving under the influence of drugs;
6. Not wearing a safety helmet (for motorcyclists);
7. Using a forbidden lane (such as the forbidden use of an emergency lane, a lane reserved for public transport, or a lane closed down for road works);
8. Illegally using a mobile phone, or any other communications device, while driving.

Up to this moment, car rental companies were the best way to reach a foreing driver, as countries weren't always willing to provide that information*. From next month, sharing the car holder's data will be a matter of minutes.

* Spain and France had an agreement to exchange these data, but it was a bilateral one, not affecting third countries.