The Local Police have issued a firm public warning in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria after uncovering a flagrant case of fraudulent use of a disabled parking permit (PMR – Personas con Movilidad Reducida), which had been tampered with and issued in the name of a deceased individual.
The case, shared on their official X account, revealed that the permit had been deliberately altered to modify its expiry date. On inspection, officers confirmed not only that the expiry date had been doctored, but that the original holder of the permit had passed away, significantly worsening the nature of the offence.
The incident led to an immediate €1,000 fine, but the police stressed that further legal consequences could follow. “Fraudulent use of official documents doesn’t just result in a fine, it may carry serious legal consequences,” read the message from the police account.
Legal Consequences
Under Spanish law, the misuse or falsification of PMR parking permits carries both administrative and criminal penalties. Administratively, Royal Decree 1056/2014 and local municipal by-laws establish fines of up to €1,000 for manipulating or forging such permits.
However, criminally, Articles 390 and 392 of the Spanish Penal Code classify the falsification of public documents as a serious offence, punishable by up to six years in prison and substantial financial penalties.
Additionally, using a document issued to a deceased person may constitute identity fraud or even usurpation of civil status, a crime outlined under Article 401 of the Penal Code, which carries further penalties.
Public Appeal
Authorities are urging residents to respect the proper use of PMR permits and to report suspected misuse. The fraudulent use of these permits not only undermines trust in public systems but also directly affects people who genuinely rely on them for essential mobility and access.
“This isn’t just about a parking space,” a police spokesperson said, “it’s about integrity, legality, and fairness for people with real needs.”
