Barcelona’s new civic ordinance tightens the screws: rising penalties and a new collection system

Jaume Collboni's government has unlocked its reform with the backing of Junts and ERC, an agreement that allows the municipal executive to secure the necessary majority and face final approval in the plenary session. If there are no surprises, the new framework will come into force at the end of January or the beginning of February 2026.

The text toughens penalties for the most common everyday urban offences.

Urinating in the street, graffiti, smoking cannabis or engaging in illegal street vending will cost more than before.

In addition, the City Council is reducing the financial incentives for paying quickly: discounts, which could previously reach 75%, are being cut and will stand between 50% and 60%.

The reform also focuses on an old problem: collecting fines. With collection barely reaching 16%, the council wants to make a leap forward. The Guardia Urbana will be able to collect serious fines from tourists on the spot by card terminal, while local offenders will continue to pay only minor fines immediately. The aim is to ensure the penalty does not remain a dead letter.

The political agreement adds other changes: a future agreement with TMB to improve coexistence on the metro, the possibility of penalising advertising for cannabis clubs in the street and better detection of repeat offences. At the same time, and at ERC's request, the government commits to developing alternatives to fines, intended for young people and vulnerable people.

More fines, fewer discounts and more effective collection: this is how the City Council intends to set a new course in managing civic behaviour in the city.