New Red Light Cameras in Mallorca: Where, How, and What It Means for Drivers

More traffic cameras in Palma: Keep an eye on intersections

In the last few weeks, new traffic light cameras have been installed at several busy intersections on Mallorca. I have seen the signs and the small metal boxes myself — in the morning, when the sun was still low and a delivery van slowed around the corner. The message is clear: running a red light can be expensive.

How the systems work

The devices switch automatically. Two cameras document a violation: one shot just before the stop line, the second when the vehicle crosses the intersection. The recordings are sent to the competent authorities, where they are checked. According to the Spanish traffic authority DGT, for clear violations there is a €200 fine and four points in the Spanish driving-licence points system.

Where the new locations are

Some locations are already known: On Avenida Adolfo Suárez toward the airport, cameras were recently installed. Further controls are at the intersection Carrer de Manacor / Francesc Pi i Margall and at the corner Tomás de Villanueva i Cortés / Isaac Albéniz. Notably: In some places the new warning sign S-991c is now hanging, which is supposed to warn about the camera.

Points system in Spain – briefly explained

Unlike in Germany, in Spain you start with 12 points. Depending on the severity of the offense, points are deducted; if all are gone, the license is gone. For many here that means: a single mistake can be quite expensive fairly quickly.

What that means in everyday life

Practically: fewer risky starts at the lights, less tailgating. I see it at the intersection near me: three cars used to rush through on yellow, now more stop. Of course there are discussions — some feel watched, others find it reassuring because pedestrians and cyclists are better protected. My tip: better to wait briefly than to receive a fine letter later.

The authorities emphasize that the cameras serve road safety. If you’re unsure exactly where the installations are, you should look for the S-991c signs and generally drive a bit more defensively — especially around the airport and during peak hours when Palma is busy again.