[Spanish drivers' valuation of the penalty point system]

A key issue for the good performance of the penalty point system is that drivers achieve a proper understanding of its philosophy and objectives. If this enforcement system is valuated as an effective and socially beneficial measure, there is a higher probability that drivers will show a stronger and permanent change. On the contrary, if the penalty point system is perceived as a tax-collecting measure, it would be very difficult for its principal aims to be achieved. From a national telephone survey conducted on a sample of 2.014 respondents, the present study analyses drivers' appraisal of the Spanish penalty point system. The results show that drivers' evaluation of the system is very positive and also that they have high expectations for its success. Moreover, beyond a mere repressive or tax-collecting view of the penalty point system, drivers state that its main goal is to increase awareness and improve road safety.