In El Palmar (Murcia) has accused the Policía Nacional arrested a man on 11 August 2026. A video showed his 12-year-old son driving a car on a road used by other vehicles, while his father sat in the passenger seat and urged the boy to drive faster. After reviewing the footage, investigators identified the passenger as the driver's father.
Facts and proceedings: The case began with a complaint submitted to the police station, accompanied by a video. Police established the minor's age and identity. As the boy is 12 and below the age of criminal responsibility, proceedings are being brought against the adult. The alleged offence is offence against road safety (delito contra la seguridad vial); the father is alleged to have acted as a necessary accomplice by allowing and encouraging the drive. No information is available about injuries or property damage.
Legal framework: In Spain motor vehicles may be driven on public roads only from the age of 18 and with a valid driving licence. Children under 14 are below the age of criminal responsibility; in such cases, criminal liability generally falls on the accompanying adult if they enable or encourage the driving and thereby endanger road safety. Depending on the precise classification of the incident, the offence of endangering road safety may have criminal and driving-licence consequences for the accused. Police initially gave no details of any measures that might be taken in this case.
Attributed statements and outstanding questions: According to the Policía Nacional, the minor was driving on a public road in the Region Murcia, where other vehicles were also travelling. Whether the father merely allowed the boy to drive or actively urged him to accelerate is part of the review of the video and the further investigation. Information about the father's possible motive, the exact route or any further procedural steps was not initially available.
Context: The case highlights the responsibility of parents and guardians on the roads. The authorities regularly point out that knowingly allowing minors to drive may not only constitute an administrative offence but can also have criminal implications if the safety of others is affected. The Policía Nacional investigation in El Palmar is ongoing.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).