Drivers In Spain Warned That Carrying These Things On The Back Seat Could End With 200 Euro Fine
Expat Tips
Published: 09 June 2022 01:44 CET
Updated: 30 January 2024 14:46 CET
There are many potential reasons for being fined while driving here in Spain.
Many of them we have covered before such as driving a dirty car, playing your music too loud, throwing rubbish out of the window, or one of the biggest dangers, using your phone or another tech device while driving.
However, there is one offence that Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, believes that the vast majority of Spanish motorists are completely unaware of, and which could earn you a penalty fine of up to 200 euros.
The Little-Known DGT Rule That Most Drivers in Spain Don’t Know About
You know when you go to the supermarket for your weekly shop and place those shopping bags on the back seat because your boot is full?
Well, doing this could put you and your passengers at risk not to mention get you in trouble with the traffic police. Many drivers don’t realise that carrying loose objects in the cabin is considered a safety hazard under Spanish traffic regulations and is treated as an improper load under DGT standards.
It’s not just shopping bags either. It’s any object such as a suitcase, rucksack, or anything else that isn’t properly secured with a seatbelt. Loose objects become projectiles in an accident, and the law takes that seriously.
What Spanish Traffic Law Says About Loose Objects (Article 14 Explained)
Doing this is illegal in Spain as established by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) in Article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations. The law states that any such object should be secured in such a way that it cannot distract either the driver or other road users.
“The load transported in a vehicle, as well as the accessories used for its conditioning or protection, must be arranged and, if necessary, fastened in such a way that they cannot: drag, fall totally or partially or move in a dangerous manner, compromise the stability of the vehicle, produce noise, dust or other annoyances that can be avoided; hide the lighting or light signalling devices, the compulsory plates or badges and the manual warnings of their drivers.”
In essence, you are not to have anything in the back of the vehicle which cannot be safely secured. Spanish police often carry out roadside checks to identify loose objects inside vehicles, especially during peak travel periods.
Common Items That Can Get You Fined in Spain
Many everyday objects can get you fined if not secured properly. Some examples include:
- Shopping bags placed on back seats
- Luggage, rucksacks, or handbags left loose in the cabin
- Sports equipment such as yoga mats or footballs
- Pet carriers not strapped in with a seatbelt
- Small boxes, toolkits or work equipment sliding around the cabin
Anything that can move freely in the event of braking is considered a hazard. The DGT specifically highlights supermarket bags as one of the most common and overlooked examples.
Why Loose Objects Are Dangerous According to the DGT
If a vehicle has to brake quickly, any unsecured objects could potentially cause death or serious injury to the driver and/or passengers. Even a small object can become a high-impact projectile.
For example, a 2kg handbag travelling at 50 km/h can hit a passenger with a force exceeding 80kg due to momentum. This is why the DGT stresses the importance of securing items inside the cabin whenever possible.
The ‘Elephant Effect’: Why Small Objects Become Deadly in a Crash
The laws are in force due to a principle commonly known as the ‘elephant effect’, which according to experts is based on the fact that “any object that travels loose in a car continues to move forward and multiplies, due to the effect of speed, the force with which it would hit any occupant by up to forty times its weight at just 50 kilometres per hour”.
This is precisely why the DGT recommends using the boot whenever possible and securing heavier items with straps or netting.
Other Unexpected Traffic Fines You Might Not Know About
Spain has several surprising fines related to vehicle safety which many expats are not aware of. These include:
How to Avoid These Fines (Essential Tips for Drivers in Spain)
Here are simple steps you can take to prevent fines and ensure safety:
- Always store bags and loose items in the boot.
- Use the vehicle’s seatbelt to secure items if they must stay on seats.
- Use luggage nets or cargo straps for larger objects.
- Place heavy items low and as close to the vehicle floor as possible.
- Never leave metal or hard objects loose in the cabin.
The DGT also recommends drivers periodically check that all objects remain secure during long trips, especially when making rest stops.
Final Advice for Expats Driving in Spain
To avoid fines, always place heavier items in the boot, secure bags with a seatbelt if necessary, and avoid leaving loose items on the back seat. Understanding Spain’s DGT rules helps avoid penalties and keeps everyone safer on the road.
FAQs: Loose Objects and Traffic Fines in Spain
Can I put small bags or groceries on the back seat?
Only if they are properly secured with a seatbelt. Loose items can lead to fines under Article 14.
Does this rule apply on short journeys?
Yes. The DGT applies the rule regardless of distance — loose objects are dangerous even at low speeds.
Can the Guardia Civil fine me on the spot?
Yes. Roadside inspections often include checks for load security inside the cabin.
Do child seats count as “secured objects”?
Yes — as long as they are installed correctly. Items placed on or around them still need to be secured.
Source
https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2022/06/08/mochilas-bolsas-de-la-compra-maletas-a-cuanto-asciende-la-multa-por-llevar-estos-objetos-en-los-asientos-de-atras-del-coche-cadena-ser/
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