Can you… in Madrid? Fines and rules

In Madrid, most rules that affect tourists come from the city's cleanliness ordinance (2022) and the public safety law. City fines run from up to €750 for a minor offence to €3,000 for a very serious one. Below are the most common « can you…? » questions with what we could confirm. When we could not verify an amount, we do not give one. Rules checked in October 2026.

City fines in short

Plaza Mayor

Ordinance 12/2022 on the cleanliness of public spaces has three levels: minor offences up to €750, serious ones from €751 to €1,500, very serious ones from €1,501 to €3,000. The municipal police issue the report; paying promptly may reduce the amount, so check the paper you are given.

Can you…?

Drink alcohol in the street? No, except on terraces and at authorised festivals: see alcohol in the street in Madrid.
Smoke on a terrace? Yes in October 2026, but a bill would ban it: see smoking in Madrid.
Smoke cannabis outdoors? No, it is a serious offence: see cannabis and drugs.
Urinate in the street? No. This offence under the cleanliness ordinance is classed between €751 and €1,500. Public toilets are listed in our public toilets in Madrid.
Drop a cigarette butt, paper or chewing gum? No, the same ordinance punishes it; we have not confirmed the amounts.
Drink from fountains? Yes, when a public fountain is marked as drinkable: see tap water in Madrid.
Bathe in a fountain? Avoid it: it can be punished and it is not provided for, on the Plaza Mayor or anywhere else.
Picnic in a park? Often yes in the Retiro, outside closed lawns and without alcohol; follow the signs.
Take photos? Yes outdoors; inside museums and churches, follow the posted rules.
Beggars, singers, street sellers? Unlicensed vendors are banned; do not buy from them, see scams to avoid.
Ride an electric scooter? They are subject to traffic rules: check the city's or the rental company's rules before setting off.
Cross outside crosswalks? Pedestrians must use crossings and obey lights; the fine is not confirmed.
Walk a dog? Yes, on a lead: see Madrid with a dog.

If you get a fine

Keep the report and read the payment deadlines.
Pay only by the method on the official paper.
If in doubt, contact Madrid city hall or your consulate.

Summary table

Question	Answer
Alcohol in the street	No, except terraces and authorised festivals
Smoking on a terrace	Yes (ban proposed)
Cannabis in public	No, serious offence
Urinating outdoors	No, €751 to €1,500
Fountain water	Yes, if marked drinkable