10 fines that seem like a joke but are not

There are many actions and behaviors related to driving that are punishable and maybe you didn’t know it. Some are quite obvious and are justified because they involve a security risk. Others, on the contrary, are less striking and in many cases, even little known. Here I leave you 10 examples of fines that seem like a joke but are not.

These types of fines are normally little known among motorists, mainly because it is not common to receive such a penalty. However, traffic officers have the right to fine you if they ‘catch’ you committing these offences, so it is good to know what is allowed and what is not.

10 fines that seem like a joke but are not

Eating or drinking water while driving

It is something that is not usually known, but eating or drinking water while driving a vehicle is not allowed. It is considered a distraction behind the wheel, which is one of the types of infractions that the DGT pursues the most. Therefore, if a Civil Guard Traffic officer sees you eating or drinking water at the wheel, they can fine you up to 80 euros.

running out of gas

If you are one of those who usually drains the gasoline or diesel tank, in addition to exposing yourself to being stranded in the middle of the road, you can also be fined for it. In this case, running out of fuel is not punishable, but everything that entails is, such as being parked in the wrong place or having to push the car. In that case, you could receive a fine of up to 3,000 euros.

Park in the sand on the beach

This seems obvious and should always be punishable, but the amount of the fine is surprising. And it is that the beaches are considered protected spaces, so if you decide to park your car on the sand so as not to have to walk far to the water, this behavior can cost you a whopping 6,000 euros.

washing the car in the street

Keeping the car clean only brings benefits for the vehicle. However, it is not allowed to wash the car anywhere, let alone on the street. This action poses a risk to urban furniture and a danger to the environment, for which the Police can fine you between 30 and 3,000 euros.

take the dirty car

It is also not allowed to wear with excessive dirt. It is a visibility problem, because if the dirt is concentrated to a large extent on the windshield and/or the headlights, you can be fined between 80 and 200 euros. If, in addition, the windshield wipers do not work properly, you will have to add another 80 euros to the penalty.

Kiss or argue with the co-pilot

Interacting with the co-pilot is not always allowed. You can have a nice conversation, yes, but if the agents ‘catch’ you kissing or arguing with the co-driver, they can fine you. As it is considered a distraction behind the wheel, this conduct is sanctioned with 80 euros.

To bite nails

You also can’t bite your nails while driving. In addition to being unhygienic, it implies taking your hands off the wheel, which is not allowed and, in this specific case, is also punishable by a fine of 80 euros. In addition, if you decide to put on makeup taking advantage of a stop at a traffic light, you are punished with a fine of 200 euros and the withdrawal of two points from your driving license.

make a comb

The same happens with the ‘innocent’ action of making a comb. Driving implies, in many cases, bringing out the worst in each person, especially if someone scolds us or if we witness a dangerous maneuver. If you decide to show the finger to another driver or pedestrian and a traffic officer spots you, the fine amounts to 80 euros.

honk the horn for no reason

For many drivers, the horn is more than just a tool to alert other drivers. Many use this component as a punishment towards other users. However, this type of behavior at the wheel is considered noise pollution and is usually fined 80 euros.

Circulate with loud music

Finally, if you drive around with very loud music at dawn or in a place of rest such as a hospital, the regulations will penalize you with a fine of up to 100 euros.