Spain holiday warning with £170 fine for tourist phone zombies

Spain has launched a fresh crackdown on a specific group of pedestrians known as ‘phone zombies’ as it looks to cut down on road accidents in the country

Holidaymakers caught wandering dangerously with their phones in Spain could be slapped with a hefty fine.

Spain has initiated a tough new campaign against careless pedestrian conduct to tackle the surge in street mishaps – and it spells trouble for holidaymakers addicted to their smartphones. The Spanish traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), has delivered a stern caution to those who wander the pavements engrossed in their devices.

Under fresh rules, pedestrians caught using their mobile phones while walking, particularly close to or on streets, could face an €80 (£67) penalty, while graver infractions like jaywalking may incur fines up to €200 (£170).

Officials have identified the growing problem of “phone zombies” – individuals who meander into traffic while engrossed in texting or browsing – as a significant danger not only to themselves but also to other road users.

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In a direct message posted on its social media platforms, the DGT stated: “Use the zebra crossings properly, they’re there for a reason. Don’t use your phone while crossing, no, not even for a selfie. Eyes up, feet down, and only step out if it’s safe for you and the drivers.”

The statement continued with clear instructions: “Obey traffic signals. Stay off motorways and dual carriageways, they’re for wheels, not heels,” emphasising that the clampdown is vital for “safe mobility for all.”

Particularly, tourists planning trips to popular destinations like Majorca are being cautioned, reports the Express.

Authorities on the island, which has long been subject to complaints about both local and tourist driving standards, are facing increasing pressure to address traffic chaos and pedestrian risks. The problem is only anticipated to escalate as a proposal is being considered to permit learner drivers to practice with experienced drivers, not just instructors, at the helm.

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As Spanish roads become increasingly challenging for both drivers and pedestrians, both tourists and locals are being encouraged to pay more attention and look up from their phones, or they could face a substantial fine whilst on holiday.

There are plenty of other laws in place across Spain designed to control behaviour. In Alicante for example there are heavy fines for noisy tourists. Recently the city tightened versions of their 2019 rules placed by the city council. These simple rules against tourist noise pollution, however, could cost Brits over £25,000 if breached.

The country as a whole has declared that tourists will now be fined as high as £8,000 for not having legal proof of their accommodation whilst travelling. This translates into a booking confirmation letter or email – which is easy enough for hotel stayers, but for those visiting friends and family that reside there, proof becomes a lot more complicated.

Cities like Benidorm have announced a new change to their tourist law: a beach fine for any who steps onto its sandy coasts between midnight and 7 AM. In an effort to preserve its beaches and prevent potential crime, Benidorm’s fines are a significant sum that can land between £640 and £1,030 and will also target romantics opting for a night-time swim or sleeping under the stars.