Spain's 018 Accident Helpline Is Now Live — Here's What Happens When You Call

A New Number for Road Accident Support in Spain

Spain's Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) — the national traffic authority — has launched a dedicated helpline for people affected by road accidents. The number is 018, and it went live on April 23, 2026.

The service is available every day of the year, from 8:00am to 9:00pm, and — crucially for the expat community — in up to 50 languages. It can be reached by phone, WhatsApp, or email.

018 Is Not for Emergencies — Call 112 First

The most important thing to understand about the 018 line is what it is not: it is not a replacement for 112, Spain's general emergency number.

If you are involved in or witness a road accident where there is immediate danger — people injured, vehicles on fire, traffic hazards — call 112 first. That connects you directly to emergency services: ambulance, police, fire brigade.

The 018 line is designed for after the immediate danger has passed, when people may be confused, distressed or unsure what to do next. It is a support and information service, not an emergency dispatch line.

What the 018 Line Offers

Trained support staff on the 018 line can help with:

• Emotional support — accidents are traumatic, and the line provides a first point of human contact for distressed callers
• Practical guidance on documentation — what paperwork is needed, how to file an accident report, what the next steps are
• Insurance information — guidance on how to deal with insurers and what to document at the scene
• Medical care and rehabilitation — information about accessing healthcare and support services
• Legal orientation — for people unfamiliar with Spanish legal procedures following a road incident

How to Contact the Service

• Phone: 018
• WhatsApp: 645 713 823
• Email: victimastrafico@dgt.es
• Online: Official DGT channels

Why This Matters for Expats in Spain

For the large community of foreign residents and tourists driving in Spain, the 018 line addresses a real gap. Being involved in a road accident in a country where you are not fluent in the language — and may not know the insurance procedures, legal requirements or healthcare system — is an acutely stressful experience.

The availability of support in 50 languages makes this a genuinely useful resource for British, German, Dutch, Scandinavian and other expat communities across Spain. Knowing the number exists — and saving it in your phone before you need it — is a simple precaution worth taking.

The service covers residents, tourists, family members of people injured in accidents, and witnesses — in short, anyone directly affected by a road incident on Spanish roads.

Key Numbers to Save

• 112 — Emergency services (ambulance, police, fire). Use this first if there is immediate danger.
• 018 — DGT accident support helpline. Use this after the emergency, for guidance and support.

This article is based on reporting from Euro Weekly News, published April 23, 2026.