According to the DGT, more than 1,800 wrongful fines were issued in 2025 for alleged violations of the truck traffic ban.
The matter came to light following a complaint by the Spanish Federation of Transport Associations (Fenadismer), which in August lodged an official appeal with the Ombudsman.
The organisation accused the DGT of imposing fines automatically, solely on the basis of photos taken by roadside cameras, without verifying whether the vehicles concerned were actually subject to the restriction. As a result, even trucks exempted by law, such as those carrying food or livestock, or providing roadside assistance, were penalised.
Fenadismer stressed that drivers and hauliers were forced to prove their innocence, and that penalties became final if not appealed — even when no offence had been committed. The organisation argued that relying solely on automatic number-plate recognition violates the presumption of innocence.
DGT denies wrongdoing but indirectly admits it
The issue attracted the attention of the Spanish Parliamentary Group ERC, which submitted formal questions to the government regarding the DGT’s practices. In response, the authority denied any “abuse”, claiming that the penalty system “provides the necessary legal guarantees” and gives drivers the right to appeal.
At the same time, however, the DGT admitted that since the start of 2025, a total of 1,803 fines had been wrongfully issued due to the automated camera system used to monitor truck movements. The authority said that after taking photos, it performs “subsequent registration number filtering” to reduce errors. Even so, the data suggest that hundreds of drivers and operators have already been forced into lengthy appeal procedures to avoid unjust penalties.
Despite acknowledging the problem, the DGT confirmed it does not plan to cancel the fines automatically, each haulier must appeal individually.
Carriers call it a violation of fundamental rights
Fenadismer argues that the practice deprives carriers of basic legal safeguards. The federation described the situation as “a denial of minimum legal guarantees and the presumption of innocence”, raising broader concerns about the use of automated surveillance systems in Spain.
The organisation is still awaiting a response from the Ombudsman and has called not only for procedural reform at the DGT but also for the cancellation of all wrongfully imposed fines.
What’s next for automated surveillance?
Each year, the DGT publishes a calendar of truck traffic restrictions for days of particularly heavy road use — such as holiday weekends and festive periods. However, numerous exemptions apply for vehicles performing essential economic activities.
The recent controversy highlights how insufficient oversight of automated systems can lead to serious administrative errors and undermine public trust.
Although the DGT has officially admitted mistakes were made, the burden of correcting them still falls on the carriers. For many, this represents not only a financial and administrative burden but also a stark reminder that digital enforcement systems without adequate safeguards can easily turn into instruments of injustice — rather than tools for maintaining order on the roads.
