How to Appeal a Breathalyzer Fine in Guadalcanal: Free Legal Template (Word/PDF)
Receiving a traffic fine for driving under the influence of alcohol in Spain is a serious matter, but it is not always final. If you believe the administration made a procedural error—known as a defecto de forma—you have the right to challenge the penalty. A "defecto de forma" (procedural defect) occurs when the administration fails to follow the mandatory legal steps required by the Spanish Road Safety Law (Ley de Seguridad Vial), such as incorrect identification of the driver, failure to calibrate the breathalyzer device, or missing information in the notification. This template is designed to help you formally contest the fine based on these legal inconsistencies.
Instructions on how and where to submit it in Guadalcanal
To submit your appeal in the municipality of Guadalcanal (Seville), you must act within 20 calendar days from the date of notification. You have several options to file your document:
- In-Person: You can go to the Registro General of the Ayuntamiento de Guadalcanal (Guadalcanal Town Hall) if the fine was issued by local police. If the fine was issued by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), you should visit a DGT office in Seville or a designated Post Office (Correos) using the "Correo Administrativo" service.
- Online: If you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN, you can submit the appeal via the official DGT Electronic Headquarters (Sede Electrónica).
- Required Format: Ensure your document is printed, signed, and that you keep a stamped copy as proof of receipt (acuse de recibo).
AL ILMO. SR. JEFE DE TRÁFICO DE SEVILLA / ALCALDE DEL AYUNTAMIENTO DE GUADALCANAL
D./Dña. [Full Name], con DNI/NIE [ID Number], con domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Your Address], ante esta autoridad comparezco y, como mejor proceda en Derecho, DIGO:
Que mediante el presente escrito, formulo RECURSO DE ALEGACIONES contra la denuncia número [Fine Number], notificada en fecha [Date of Notification], por una presunta infracción en materia de tráfico, basándome en los siguientes:
MOTIVOS:
PRIMERO.- Defecto de forma en la tramitación del expediente. La notificación recibida carece de [mention the missing detail, e.g., la firma del agente, la fecha exacta, o la identificación correcta del cinemómetro/etilómetro], lo cual genera indefensión al interesado, conforme al artículo 21 de la Ley 39/2015.
SEGUNDO.- Falta de garantía en la cadena de custodia y prueba. No se ha acreditado documentalmente que el aparato de medición estuviera correctamente calibrado en el momento de la prueba, según exige la normativa metrológica vigente.
Por lo expuesto,
SOLICITO: Que se tenga por presentado este escrito, se admita a trámite y, tras los trámites legales oportunos, se proceda al ARCHIVO y ANULACIÓN de la denuncia referenciada.
En [City], a [Date].
Fdo.: [Your Signature]
Additional documentation required
To strengthen your appeal, you must attach the following documents to your submission:
- A clear photocopy of your National ID (DNI) or Passport (NIE).
- The original notification of the fine received by mail.
- Any evidence that supports your claim of a "defecto de forma" (e.g., photographs of the location, or proof that the vehicle was not at the location stated in the fine).
- If you have legal representation, a signed authorization document.
Expert Tip: Always remember that paying the fine with the 50% "early payment" reduction is considered an admission of guilt, and you will lose your right to appeal. If you intend to fight the fine, do not pay it until the administrative process is completely exhausted. If you are unsure about the technical details of the calibration certificate, consider consulting a local lawyer in Seville who specializes in traffic law (Derecho Administrativo Sancionador).