How to Appeal a Red Light Traffic Fine in La Orotava: Free Downloadable Template

Receiving a traffic fine for running a red light (known in Spain as multa por saltarse un semáforo en rojo) can be a stressful experience, especially when dealing with local municipal bureaucracy. If you believe the fine issued by the La Orotava City Council is incorrect or lacks sufficient evidence, you have the legal right to file an administrative appeal (alegaciones). This guide provides you with a ready-to-use template to contest the ticket officially.

Instructions on how and where to submit your appeal in La Orotava

Once you have filled out the template below, you must submit it to the La Orotava City Council (Ayuntamiento de La Orotava). You generally have 20 calendar days from the date of notification to file your appeal. You can submit it in the following ways:

• In-person: Visit the Citizen Attention Office (Oficina de Atención al Ciudadano) at the La Orotava Town Hall. It is highly recommended to book an appointment (cita previa) online through their official website.
• Online: If you possess a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) or Cl@ve PIN, you can submit the appeal electronically through the Sede Electrónica of the Ayuntamiento de La Orotava.
• Post Office: You can take the document to any post office (Correos) to be sent via "Correo Administrativo" (must be presented in an open envelope for stamping).

AL AYUNTAMIENTO DE LA OROTAVA
UNIDAD DE SANCIONES DE TRÁFICO

D./Dña. [Full Name], con DNI/NIE [ID Number], y domicilio a efectos de notificaciones en [Your Address], ante este Ayuntamiento comparezco y, como mejor proceda en Derecho, EXPONGO:

Que he sido notificado de la denuncia con número de expediente [Expediente Number], de fecha [Date of fine], por la supuesta infracción consistente en "no respetar la luz roja de un semáforo".

Que, por medio del presente escrito, formulo ALEGACIONES contra dicha denuncia, basándome en los siguientes hechos:
1. [Reason for appeal: e.g., The traffic light was not visible due to vegetation / The photo evidence is unclear / I was not the driver of the vehicle].
2. [Add further details or evidence].

Por todo lo expuesto, SOLICITO:
Que se tengan por presentadas estas alegaciones, se admitan a trámite y, tras los trámites oportunos, se proceda al ARCHIVO y ANULACIÓN de la sanción propuesta.

En [City], a [Day] de [Month] de [Year].

Firma:
[Your Signature]

Additional documentation required

To ensure your appeal is processed correctly, you should attach the following documents to your template:

• A copy of your National ID (DNI) or NIE.
• A copy of the notification letter (the fine itself).
• Any evidence supporting your case: photos of the intersection, witness statements, or documents proving you were elsewhere (e.g., a work certificate or parking ticket from a different location at the time of the event).
• If you were not the driver, you must provide the full name, DNI, and address of the person who was driving the vehicle at that time.

Expert Tip: Be aware that if you pay the fine within the first 20 days, you are entitled to a 50% discount. However, by paying the fine, you are legally acknowledging your guilt, which prevents you from filing any further appeals. Only pay the fine if you do not intend to challenge it. If you are unsure about the clarity of the evidence against you, request the full administrative file (expediente sancionador) before submitting your formal allegations.