HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, is set to introduce five new traffic fines which could come into force during September.

If approved by the government, the new regulations will aim at reducing the environmental impact of the country’s 30 million vehicles.

Up until now, changes to the country’s traffic code have looked to improve road safety, however, the new changes to article 2 of the regulations will reflect that some actions would be considered punishable due to the impact they have on the environment.

Below are the new regulations which could come into force if they are given the green light by the Congress of Deputies.

Not turning off the engine when parked

Under the new regulations, the DGT wants to encourage drivers to help reduce emissions by switching off their engines while the vehicle is idle.

Any driver that is stationary for more than two minutes with the engine running will potentially be fined €100. This is regardless of whether they are in the vehicle or not.

As yet, the DGT has not clarified whether the fines could still be imposed when vehicles are stuck in traffic jams.

Holding a mobile phone

Distractions are one of the biggest causes of fatalities on Spanish roads. With this in mind, the DGT wants to implement further restrictions on their usage.

Previous regulations aimed at penalising only those that used their phones while driving. Any driver found to be using their phone whilst driving can currently receive a €200 fine and 3 to 6 points.

However, the new laws would go one step further in extending the regulation to include those who are caught holding their phones. Whether they are using them or not will be irrelevant.

In addition to a €100 fine, the driver would also have 3 to 6 points taken from their licence.

Exceeding the speed limit on secondary roads

Under current regulations, drivers may exceed the speed limit on secondary roads by up to 20km/h when overtaking another vehicle.

However, the DGT is keen to remove this concession and will look to withdraw it under the new regulations so that excessive speeding will no longer be allowed.

Speed Camera Detection Equipment

Current rules mean that it is illegal to use a speed camera detector with potential fines of around €6,000 and a loss of six points from the licence.

But under the new proposals, this will be extended to also include those who just have them installed with no requirement to catch someone in the act of using them.

If you have one installed, it will be enough to be fined.

The proposed sanction is the loss of three points and a fine of €500.

E-Scooter Riders Must Wear A Helmet

Spain has seen a huge increase in the number of e-scooters in circulation and as a result will aim at regulating them to reduce the impact they have on other road users and pedestrians.

Since January 2021, e-scooter users have been banned from using them on sidewalks with riders also being limited to a maximum speed of 25km/h.

Under new proposals, the DGT wants to go one step further in regulating the usage of e-scooters and other personal mobility vehicles by making it compulsory to wear a helmet.

Anyone caught not wearing one could be hit with a potential fine of up to €200.

As the proliferation of e-scooters continues, users of such vehicles can expect further regulations in the not too distant future to bring them in line with other modes of transportation.

Source

https://www.thelocal.es/20210831/driving-in-spain-the-five-new-fines-traffic-authorities-want-to-roll-out-in-september/
https://www.elcorreo.com/motor/seis-nuevas-multas-dgt-entrada-en-vigor-2021-20210901084758-nt.html
https://www.businessinsider.es/5-nuevas-multas-dgt-quiere-aplicar-partir-septiembre-920575
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2021/09/01/dgt-set-to-bring-in-five-new-traffic-fines-over-the-next-few-weeks/