The police are targeting one of the most common practices used to secure parking: fines of up to 200 euros are at stake.

21/10/2026 11:30

Updated to

21/10/2026 11:30

Spanish traffic regulations impose fines of up to 100 euros on pedestrians who remain improperly on the road, as well as penalties of 200 euros for certain types of parking that severely hinder traffic. These situations can affect those who attempt to reserve a parking space for another vehicle and may also lead to intervention by local police.

Although there is no specific state-level offense called “reserving a parking space,” authorities can take action when this practice violates traffic rules or municipal ordinances, especially if people, vehicles, or objects are used to prevent other drivers from occupying an available space on public roads.

Fine of up to 100 euros for preventing another vehicle from parking

This provision allows for penalties against those who improperly occupy spaces designated for vehicles, provided the circumstances outlined in the law are met. A minor offense may be punishable by a fine of up to 100 euros under Article 80 of the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation, and Road Safety, although the specific amount will depend on the offense reported and the applicable regulations.

The fine can reach 200 euros if a car is used to block multiple parking spaces.

The consequences can be more severe when the reservation is made with another vehicle, for example, by parking it in such a way that it blocks two adjacent spaces or hinders the passage of other users. Article 91 of the General Traffic Regulations requires these maneuvers to be carried out without compromising safety or obstructing traffic, and it considers certain situations particularly serious when they prevent movement or reduce the available space to less than three meters.

When a vehicle creates a serious obstacle or poses a risk to other users, such behavior can constitute a serious offense punishable by a fine of 200 euros. Additional costs for removal and storage may apply if the legal requirements for using a crane are met, meaning the penalty arises not merely from occupying more than one parking space but from the specific circumstances and consequences of the action.

There are also cases where cones, boxes, chairs, or other objects are used to prevent parking. The regulation of this practice largely depends on municipal ordinances regarding the use of public roads, and it can result in fines of varying amounts depending on the local authority. Therefore, there is no uniform fine of 200 euros applicable throughout Spain for placing such objects.

In summary, the lack of a specific state ban on parking reservations does not mean that any method is legal, as both traffic regulations and local laws allow for penalties against certain behaviors when the road is improperly occupied, traffic is obstructed, or public space is used without authorization.