The fine for not carrying the DeCA, and how to avoid it

What is penalised

Spain's Land Transport Act (LOTT) treats the lack of control documentation, failure to complete it, or missing essential data as a serious infringement (article 141.17). In practice that includes:

• Carrying out the transport without a DeCA.
• Carrying a DeCA with essential data missing, such as the shipper's tax ID or the weight of the goods.
• Not showing it to inspectors when asked, or hiding it.

If the facts are more serious, for example a forged document, they can be classed as a very serious infringement.

How much the fine is

For this infringement, article 143.1 of the LOTT sets a fine of 401 to 600 euros. The exact amount depends on the impact of the facts, intent, any benefit obtained and repeat offences.

Because Orden FOM/2861/2012 requires a DeCA for every shipment, several shipments without a document can lead to several infringements.

A paper DeCA after 5 October 2026

Since 5 October 2026 the DeCA must be electronic: a native PDF with a QR code and an https link that downloads it directly. Paper filled in by hand or a scan doesn't meet the Resolution of 5 June 2026, so at a check it may be treated as if there were no valid document. See the electronic DeCA is mandatory.

Who pays

Article 7 of Orden FOM/2861/2012 splits the liability:

• No DeCA: the contractual shipper and the actual carrier.
• A DeCA exists but isn't in the truck: both, unless the shipper proves it issued it, in which case only the carrier.
• Shipper, carrier, origin and destination or goods data missing: the contractual shipper.
• Date, plates or special permit missing: the actual carrier.

To work out who the contractual shipper is in your case, read who issues the DeCA.

How to avoid the fine

1. Issue the DeCA before the truck leaves, one per shipment or grouping shipments with the same shipper and carrier.
2. Check the essential data: shipper's name, tax ID and address; carrier's name and tax ID; origin, destination, goods and weight; date and plates.
3. Make sure the driver has it on a phone or printed, with its QR code, before setting off.
4. If something changes on the road, update it with the reason. No handwritten notes.
5. Keep it for a year so you can show it if inspectors ask later.

With DeCA by Routyn the required fields can't be left empty, the driver gets the DeCA by email, WhatsApp or Routyn Drive, and shipper and carrier keep their copy for a year. For free.