Driving in Spain and on the Spot Fines

There is a considerable amount of confusion and debating on this topic. Here I hope to clear up some points. As a resident in Spain you do NOT have to pay a fine on the spot. Visitors and non residents can be made to pay a fine immediately. There are the famous stories of the Guardia Civil accompanying drivers to the nearest cash point machine. Should this ever occur and especially if you are concerned that you have not committed a traffic offence always insist on a receipt for the amount paid. Should you be refused, take down the numbers of the police in question so you can report the matter later.  You may feel you have been unfairly treated and with the proof of payment you can later query the legality of the fine and even recoup the full amount paid.  No receipt may mean the money is being pocketed.  I leave the latter up to the reader’s interpretation.
Residents are entitled to use their European driving permits. There is no law in Spain that insists that you hold a Spanish driving licence. You may be told otherwise when stopped and there are numerous occasions where residents have had their cars impounded.  The police may not like that you are driving on Spain’s roads and reside here but have the right to use the document from your own country. This may seem unfair even to us but until the law changes it is totally legal to do so. This only applies to the European certificate which includes your photo. The old paper version is not accepted.
If you have your own personal story to tell, please go to the comments section below. If you need an open or private response to a question relating to this topic, please send me and email.