Parking Facing the Wrong Way – What the Law Says

Many drivers ask (and many more ignore):

**Is it legal to park facing the wrong direction on the road?**

The answer is clear: ** No, it is illegal**, and it may be considered a **serious offence** under Spanish law.

—

In crowded city areas, some drivers get desperate and park **against the flow of traffic** just to grab a spot.

The **DGT** (Dirección General de Tráfico) has reiterated that this is **not allowed**, and it’s clearly prohibited in the **General Traffic Regulations**.

—

**What the rules say:**

Vehicles **must be parked as close as possible to the right-hand side** of the road.

On **one-way streets**, parking on the left is permitted — but only **if not otherwise prohibited** by signs or markings.

On **two-way roads**, parking on the left side is strictly **prohibited**.

—

**Fines for Parking the Wrong Way:**

If a police officer **finds your vehicle** parked incorrectly (but doesn’t witness the action):

**€100 fine**

If the officer **sees you park** against traffic:

**€500 fine**

**Loss of 6 points** on your licence

Why the harsher penalty? Because the officer witnesses the driver **travelling in the wrong direction**, even if it’s just a few metres — a **serious violation** under Spanish traffic law.

—

**Remember:** Always park following the **direction of travel**, and save yourself money, points, and risk.

Better safe than fined!