What prevents a driver from driving without a license?
Obviously, the law.
But going down to a purely practical field, what stops an unlicensed driver from simply going to the garage, taking their car, turning the key, and driving it to work, taking a stroll, or running errands?
That’s exactly what happened in Vigo, where a court found an unusual solution: to confiscate a woman’s Audi. The Provincial Court, clearly frustrated with the ineffectiveness of prior sanctions, decided that taking away her vehicle was necessary to prevent further misconduct.
By that point, the imposed sentences had proven to have “no deterrent effect,” according to the ruling.
Either You Comply or I Confiscate
There are limited reasons for which authorities can retain a vehicle. Likewise, few infractions lead to the revocation of a driver’s license. One such reason is being caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which often results in temporary vehicle immobilization.
In instances where a car has been immobilized due to such infractions, it may be picked up by a sober passenger, relative, or friend, provided the vehicle does not obstruct traffic. If no suitable driver exists, the car is towed to municipal premises.
Once at the storage lot, the car can only be retrieved by someone with a valid driver’s license. However, the question remains: what truly stops a determined unlicensed individual from getting behind the wheel again after reaching their garage?
In the case concerning the resident of Vigo, highlighted by The Voice of Galicia, the Provincial Court reached a solution after the driver was caught for the fourth time operating her vehicle without a valid license.
On March 15, 2025, she drove despite losing all her driving points. The Criminal Court sentenced her to six months and one day in prison for traffic safety violations but took a less common approach: the seizure of her Audi A3.
This decision was made after the woman had faced justice three times in just 11 months for similar violations. Her previous convictions included fines, and on her third offense, she was mandated to perform 60 days of community service.
With the fourth offense, she lost her Audi A3.
In light of the verdict, the accused appealed to the Pontevedra Court, arguing that prior convictions didn’t exhibit enough gravity to warrant harsh penalties. She requested leniency due to her drug addiction and sought the return of her vehicle, claiming the action was excessively punitive.
The Pontevedra Court upheld the vehicle seizure, recognizing it as a legitimate measure given the “no deterrent effect” of prior penalties and labeling the car a “potentially dangerous instrument” since previous violations included driving without headlights at night and while under the influence.
Photo | Audi and DGT
In Xataka | In 1896 a man received the first fine in history for driving at an alarming speed of 13 km/h.