Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) letter explained in English
Traffic authority. Handles driving licences, vehicle records and traffic fines on most roads.
Letters you may get
- Notificación de denuncia — a traffic fine; you can pay with a discount or object
- Requerimiento de identificación del conductor — they ask who was driving
- Resolución sancionadora — the final decision on a fine
What to do
- If they ask who was driving, you must answer in time — usually within 20 calendar days. Not answering is itself a serious fine.
- Keep your address up to date with the DGT. Fines that can’t be delivered are published online (Tablón Edictal Único) and still count.
- Find the deadline. Look for “plazo”, “hasta el”, “días hábiles”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“recurso de reposición”, “reclamación económico-administrativa”, “recurso de alzada”, “reclamación previa”, “alegaciones”, “oposición”, “recurso”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Requerimiento
- Formal request to send documents, give information or pay.
- Notificación
- Official delivery of a letter. Most deadlines start the day after.
- Resolución
- Official decision.
- Sanción
- Penalty, often a fine.
- Denuncia
- In traffic letters, the report of an offence that starts a fine. It can also mean a police report.
Questions
What is the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)?
Traffic authority. Handles driving licences, vehicle records and traffic fines on most roads.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “plazo”, “hasta el”, “días hábiles” — they mark the deadline. In Spain, deadlines usually count from the day after the letter is delivered (notificación). A paper letter is delivered on the day you receive it; an electronic one when you open it, or 10 calendar days after it was made available. We estimate 3 days for post — use the real date if you know it. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“recurso de reposición”, “reclamación económico-administrativa”, “recurso de alzada”, “reclamación previa”, “alegaciones”, “oposición”, “recurso”).
Can I read a Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in Spanish. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Spain
Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) · Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS) · Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS) · Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (SEPE) · Oficina de Extranjería / Policía Nacional · Ayuntamiento · Organismo de recaudación / Diputación · Agencia tributaria autonómica