There has been a fair amount of commentary in the English press in Spain regarding Guardia Civil Trafico fining people for minor infringements.
Sad to say, this is true and it seems that President Zapatero has learnt much from the Blair/Brown experience of soaking the motorists to plug holes in their treasury finances.
So – be warned. This is a popular trick that cost me 150€ and 4 points:
When approaching a STOP sign you must stop and be seen to stop. I crossed a country cross-roads (STOP sign twisted out of shape due to being hit by something previously, and thus invisible, NO road markings, NO traffic, No donkeys, bikes, pedestrians. Excellent visibility). I was travelling at no more than 2 km/hour as I was trying to read a back to front sign as I was lost. And there they were – hiding behind some bushes.
So – be careful. This is not about road safety – it is just using the motorist as a cash cow.
You may say that I could have contested it in court. I was advised against it by my solicitor, as it would have cost me much more in time and money than I can afford.
So, they have you by the short and curlies. Just don't give them the opportunity!