Fines of Up to 200 Euros for Double Parking in Front of Schools

Double parking is a common solution when we are running late, need to run a quick errand, or are searching for parking in a crowded area. However, it is not a legal practice and is one of the most common reasons for fines, especially in large cities.

With the arrival of September, a new school year begins, bringing with it the morning rush to get to class on time. If you are one of those who wait until the last moment and double park in front of the school entrance, you should be aware that this action can be very costly.

The Traffic Law is clear on this matter: double parking is not allowed and can result in a fine of up to 200 euros. However, we may avoid fines if we do not leave the vehicle and remain stationary for less than two minutes, as long as we do not park in a place that severely obstructs traffic. But let’s be honest, with the heavy car movement around schools during peak hours, a double-parked car will inevitably disrupt the flow of traffic.

Double parking is prohibited, but stopping is allowed. In this case, a stop is defined as when the vehicle is stationary for less than two minutes. For it to be valid, the driver must remain in the vehicle. Once the driver leaves the vehicle and the time exceeds two minutes, it will be considered parking, which is illegal. When the violation is not considered severe and is minor, a fine between 110 and 140 euros is established. Therefore, to avoid fines, you must stay in the car and be there for less than two minutes.

The DGT recommends parking the car correctly, keeping the backpack in the trunk, and walking to the school. This can be challenging in some areas, especially those located in city centers. Jaime Requeijo, General Director of EasyPark Spain advises first leaving home with enough time to park on streets near the school.

"Although it may seem simple and obvious, it is important to include a time margin in our routines that allows us to park without complications, especially in large cities," he comments. "This way, we not only ensure that our child arrives on time for their classes but also start the day more calmly, avoiding the stress that can arise from not finding parking."

After parking the car, it is crucial that children exit on the sidewalk side to avoid any accidents with other vehicles. "Additionally, it is important to remember to take the backpack out of the trunk as it is the safest place to store it in case of sudden stops or movements," Requeijo points out.

Finally, Jaime Requeijo reminds us that "for safety reasons, children should travel in the back seats and always with approved restraint systems or seat belts if they are over 135 centimeters tall."