Palma Tightens Controls – Fines Almost Double

Tougher rules, more controls — and clearly more fines

Since summer, Palma’s streets have taken on a different pace: patrols in yellow vests, more foot patrols and checkpoints at the entrances to Playa de Palma. City authorities report that since the tightened ordinance took effect in June, about 4,131 fine notices have been issued — almost double what was issued in the same period last year. In total, warnings amount to around 7,702 cases when counting all municipal violations.

What law enforcement is most closely watching

The figures show clear priorities: e-scooters and similar small vehicles are at the top. Nearly 2,032 reports concern these vehicles, including many for missing helmets (roughly 1,187 cases), outstanding insurances and missing high-visibility vests. Photos taken on a Tuesday morning at Passeig Marítim show officers stopping scooters multiple times and checking documents.

Illegal street vending is also being pursued more vigorously: authorities stated they have acted against street vendors roughly 1,232 times — significantly more sanctions than a year ago. Interestingly: in about 44 cases, additional people were charged who bought goods or warned vendors before controls. This has sparked heated discussions in the beach bars at Playa de Palma.

Controversies and local reactions

The controls affect not only tourists. Local business operators on Avinguda Joan Miró say they welcome the measure because, in their view, harassment by pushy sellers has diminished. Others, especially small traders and market vendors, complain of harshness and call for clear, humane transitional rules.

The city also recorded 845 warnings for public drunkenness with noise nuisance, 224 reports against non-approved services (e.g., illegal beach massages) and 145 cases of misusing public space — including illegal camps and bathing in fountains. Geographically, measures concentrate on Playa de Palma and s’Arenal: around 1,573 warnings were counted there.

More staff, more work — or just show?

According to mayors and the city hall, the rise in notices is not a coincidence but the result of increased presence: in the coming months, allegedly 275 additional positions in the local police are planned through the first quarter of 2026. Critics question whether more staff automatically means fairer procedures — or only more controlled street scenes.

The city rejects accusations that vulnerable groups are being targeted. It is claimed, for example, that motorhome users were not punished; instead there are alternative offers and social support. Many fine proceedings are still open, so the total amount collected is not yet available.

If you stroll along the Paseo in the late afternoon these days, you see control teams, debating tourists and residents loudly voicing their opinions. It is a policy that polarizes — and that is likely to remain part of everyday life here in Palma for longer.