As the new school year begins in September, parking becomes more difficult outside schools in many Spanish cities. In major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Zaragoza the morning rush regularly leads to double-parking offences. Parking in a second row is prohibited under Spanish law and is generally classified as a serious traffic offence.
The legal basis is the nationwide legislation under the Ley sobre Tráfico, Circulación de Vehículos a Motor y Seguridad Vial, as well as the Reglamento General de Circulación. They prohibit parking vehicles in a way that blocks correctly parked cars or obstructs traffic. Fines of €200 are customary for such serious offences. In addition, the competent authority may order the vehicle to be removed or immobilised if it obstructs traffic or poses a danger.
The Dirección General de Tráfico notes that a 50 per cent discount is often available during the voluntary payment period. Those who take up this reduction generally waive any further right of appeal against the notice. This practice is commonly followed by the Policía Municipal and municipal authorities when enforcing the rules.
Authorities justify stepped-up checks around schools on road safety grounds: children should be better protected when getting in and out of vehicles, and dangerous situations outside school gates should be avoided. However, the penalties still weigh on many families, as they can mean extra costs precisely during the financially pressured month of September.
Local arrangements remain unaffected: municipalities can introduce additional rules on ordering vehicles to be towed or organising short-stay areas. Some places also provide time-limited stopping zones outside schools. These rules do not change the principle that stopping or parking in a second row is prohibited and punishable as a serious offence. Anyone dropping off or collecting children should therefore use designated short-stay areas, car parks or alternatives within walking distance.
In summary: Double parking outside schools is clearly prohibited in Spain and usually carries a €200 fine. Paying promptly can often halve the penalty. Towing is possible if the vehicle is blocking access or posing a danger. According to the authorities, enforcement is for safety – it eases traffic flow and improves visibility at critical points outside schools.
Editor: Daniel Mayer (Article created with AI assistance).