If you get a parking ticket in Madrid, you must pay or cancel it quickly. Regulated street parking is managed by the servicio de estacionamiento regulado (regulated parking service) or SER.
How SER parking fines work
SER parking zones are marked with blue or green lines on the street. If you park without a valid ticket, or if you stay longer than the time on your ticket, parking officers will place a ticket on your windshield.
There are two types of parking violations:
- Exceeding the time limit: Your ticket expired, but you are still parked in the zone. You can cancel this ticket immediately at the parking meter.
- Parking without a ticket: You did not buy a ticket at all, or you parked in a disabled space. You cannot cancel this ticket at the meter. You must pay the full fine.
How to cancel a ticket at the meter
You can perform an anulación de denuncia (cancellation of ticket) if you have a valid ticket but exceeded your time limit by less than 60 minutes. The cancellation fee is €4.
If you cancel the ticket within this 60-minute window, the fine is completely deleted. You do not need to do anything else.
Steps to cancel a ticket at the meter
- Find a BiciMAD station or a parking meter nearby. Press any key to activate the screen.
- Select the “Anulación de denuncia” option from the menu.
- Input the ticket identification number found on the fine slip. You can also scan the barcode on the slip.
- Pay the €4 cancellation fee using coins, a credit card, or a parking mobile app (like Telpark or ElParking).
- Take the printed receipt as proof of cancellation.
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How to pay a full parking fine
If you parked without a ticket or missed the 60-minute cancellation window, you will receive a full fine. The standard fine for parking violations is €90.
You have 20 calendar days from the date of the violation (or from when you receive the official letter) to pay. If you pay within this period, you get a 50% discount. The fine becomes €45.
Payment methods
- Online: Access the Ayuntamiento de Madrid payment portal. Use your credit card and the payment code printed on the fine.
- At bank branches: Bring the fine slip to any authorized bank (such as CaixaBank, BBVA, or Santander) and pay at the counter or ATM.
- By phone: Call the municipal service number 010 (or +34 915 298 210 from outside Madrid) and pay using a credit card.
Document and code checklist
- The physical fine slip from your windshield
- The ticket identification number or barcode
- A credit card, debit card, or exact cash
- Your NIE or passport number (required for online payment)
Questions and answers
Can I cancel a ticket using a mobile app?
Yes. If you used an app like Telpark, ElParking, or EasyPark to buy your original parking session, you can pay the €4 cancellation fee directly through the app within 60 minutes.
What happens if I do not pay the fine?
The debt increases. If you do not pay within 20 days, you lose the 50% discount. After 45 days, the Ayuntamiento sends the file to the tax agency. They will eventually deduct the money directly from your Spanish bank account.
How can I appeal a parking fine?
Submit an appeal online. If you believe the fine is incorrect, you must submit a recurso de alzada (administrative appeal) within 20 days. However, if you appeal, you lose the right to the 50% prompt-payment discount.
Do parking rules apply on Sundays?
No. Regulated parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. You do not need to pay, and officers do not issue fines.
