Mallorca’s Island Council is pushing forward with its plans to significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the island. This measure is expected to particularly affect German tourists and second home owners. On Friday, June 13, as announced at the end of May, Island Council President Llorenç Galmés presented the draft of a legislative proposal to the other parties for review. This marks the beginning of an important objection period, during which all relevant parties can submit their ideas and suggestions.
Following an anticipated one-month consultation and decision-making phase within the Island Council, the legislative proposal will be submitted to the Balearic Parliament for final approval. Should the draft also receive the green light there, the new rules could come into force as early as next year, fundamentally changing the traffic landscape on Mallorca.
Why Mallorca Must Act: The Influx of Unregistered Vehicles
The 30-page legislative draft provides clear figures that underscore the urgency of the situation: “71 percent of the cars that arrived in Mallorca since 2020 are not registered on the island,” it states. This indicates that a large proportion of these vehicles are used exclusively by tourists and second home owners who do not have a registered permanent residence in Mallorca. This constant influx of external vehicles strains the island’s infrastructure and leads to increased traffic congestion.
New Ferry Entry Tax: How Mallorca Plans to Control Car Tourism
To effectively reduce the number of vehicles on the island, the Island Council plans to introduce a fixed maximum limit for cars allowed to drive on Mallorca. This regulation primarily targets car rental companies, which bring thousands of vehicles to the island during the summer months.
Another key innovation is the planned entry tax for cars brought to Mallorca by ferry. This tax will be collected directly by the Island Council, with ferry companies responsible for verifying its payment. Similar taxes are already established on the neighboring islands of Ibiza and Formentera, where they have contributed to regulating vehicle volumes. The exact amount of the tax for car entry to Mallorca has not yet been determined.
Important exemptions from the tax include:
- Residents
- Second home owners (as long as it is their first car)
- People with disabilities
- Trucks
- Other specific exceptions
Restrictions for Second Home Owners: Only One Car Per Property
Those who own a property in Mallorca but are not registered as residents on the island will face significant restrictions in the future. The plan is to allow these individuals only one car per property on the island. This vehicle must be registered in Mallorca, meaning that German license plates must be exchanged for Spanish ones.
The exact number of second home owners who will be affected by this regulation is currently unclear. However, a spokesperson for the Island Council emphasized: “We have contacted the DGT traffic authority and requested relevant data.”
High Penalties for Violations: What Threatens Non-Compliance with the New Rules?
The consequences for violating the new provisions are drastic and intended to deter. The planned penalties range from substantial 300 Euros to 30,000 Euros. Furthermore, the vehicle can be confiscated for a period of four months. The withdrawal of the driving permit for the island is also a possible sanction, as is the prohibition from obtaining a new driving permit for two years. These measures underscore the seriousness with which the Island Council is addressing the reduction of car traffic on Mallorca.
