Anyone in Spain who absent-mindedly looks at their smartphone could soon face a fine. Authorities are increasingly cracking down on so-called “distracted walking” – with tangible consequences for pedestrians.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
More and more people are crossing streets while looking at their phones – and this is now being specifically targeted in Spain. Anyone who looks at or actively uses their smartphone while crossing a road faces a fine of €80.
It makes no difference whether the traffic light is green or a pedestrian crossing is being used. What matters is solely whether the pedestrian diverts their attention away from traffic.
Focus on road safety
The measure is part of a broader strategy by the Spanish traffic authority to improve road safety. The background is alarming statistics: pedestrians are involved in 20 to 30 per cent of serious urban traffic accidents – often because they are distracted.
Particularly concerning: anyone looking at their smartphone loses up to 95 per cent of their peripheral vision.
This significantly increases the risk of failing to notice approaching vehicles or traffic signals.
What exactly counts as an offence
Not every use of a mobile phone is automatically punishable. The decisive factor is the specific situation in road traffic. A fine is particularly likely when pedestrians:
- look at their phone while crossing the street
- disregard traffic signs or traffic lights
- do not sufficiently ensure that the road is clear
In such cases, the authorities classify the behaviour as negligent – even if a pedestrian crossing is being used correctly in formal terms.
Increased checks in cities
The regulation is not entirely new in legal terms, but enforcement has become significantly stricter since 2026. Police officers are paying closer attention to such offences, particularly in large cities, at heavily frequented junctions and in tourist areas.
The aim is to reduce everyday, often underestimated risks – and not only to punish traditional traffic offences.
Pedestrians taking greater responsibility
This development highlights a clear trend: responsibility in road traffic no longer lies solely with drivers. Pedestrians are also increasingly coming into the focus of the authorities.
Even seemingly harmless habits – such as a quick glance at a mobile phone – can become dangerous at the wrong moment and now also have financially noticeable consequences.
Conclusion
Spain is sending a clear message: full attention in road traffic applies to everyone – including pedestrians.
So anyone who wants to get through Spanish cities safely and without a fine in future should keep one thing in mind when crossing the street:
Eyes off your phone – and on the traffic.
