Spain’s end-of-August getaway is in reverse. As beaches empty and routines creep back in, the Guardia Civil is warning drivers to take it steady on the long ride home. In a video shared on social media, officers say they’re ramping up patrols to keep traffic moving and crack down on risky behaviour. Translation: if you’re driving this week, plan ahead, keep it clean and expect enforcement. End-of-August road checks: what to expect on Spain’s motorways This is always one of the year’s busiest weeks on the tarmac, and the Guardia Civil is out in force. Patrols will be backed by a tech stack that spots trouble early – and offenders faster. Think fixed and mobile speed cameras, automatic number-plate recognition, and remote readers that can scan smart tachographs in lorries and coaches without stopping them. There are also sensors to detect tampered tachographs, plus kit to weigh heavy vehicles on the move and sample emissions. All of it feeds into back-office systems that tell officers where the problems are brewing. The message is simple: if you cut corners, the cameras won’t. Spain road trip checklist: car checks, 0.0 alcohol, route plan You don’t need a pit crew – just a bit of common sense. Start with the car. Make sure your ITV is in date, the paperwork is onboard, and the basics are right: tyres, brakes, fluids, lights, wipers. A five-minute check on the driveway beats a two-hour wait for a tow on the hard shoulder. Then the driver. The safest alcohol reading behind the wheel is 0.0 – and no drugs, full stop. Anything else risks points, fines and worse. Swap drivers if you can, take breaks before you’re tired, and leave the phone alone. Messages can wait; blue lights can’t. Finally, the journey. Look at DGT traffic maps and the forecast before you leave. Shifting your departure by an hour can dodge the worst queues, save fuel and keep tempers cool. Plan fuel stops, carry water and snacks, and remember kids and pets feel the heat sooner than you do. How to get home without the drama (or the fine) Treat cruise control as your friend and tailgating as your enemy. Keep roof boxes and bike racks secure, or take them off if they’re empty – you’ll feel it at the pump. If you hit a jam, leave space, don’t weave, and use the emergency corridor rule so ambulances can get through. And watch for local fiestas near towns and resorts; a saint’s day can turn a fast road into a rolling car park. The late-August return doesn’t have to be a slog. Roadworthy car, sober driver, smart timing – and a calm right foot – will get you home without points, penalties or frayed nerves. The Guardia Civil will be watching; give them nothing to watch. Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news from Spain