Expats In Spain Urged To Check Out New Traffic Laws

Expats in Spain are being warned over strict new traffic rules.

Expats in Spain are now advised to watch out for swingeing changes in road traffic laws now the new government is up and running. The new rules, panned by the country’s Direccion General de Trafico were stalled for most of last year due to political infighting leading to two general elections and a back-up of potential laws in congress.

British expats will need to check the new rulings once the present government gets going, with crackdowns on scooters, drunk driving and the use of cellphones whilst driving at the top of the list. Offenders using their phones whilst driving or riding will be liable for hefty fines and the removal of six points from their licenses. In addition, a ban on scooter use on main roads and a crackdown on owners without insurance and driving licenses will be introduced. Many expats prefer to use scooters to get to work as traffic in major cities is heavy and parking is difficult.

In addition, new, stricter rules and punishments will apply to those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and further changes will involve placing 30kmph limits on single carriageways in Spain’s major cities. In addition, reforms of the driving test’s theory section will be made. At the same time, vulnerable motorcyclists will be helped by as yet undisclosed new laws. The expected revisions of the rules of the road are aimed at reducing the toll of accidents resulting in deaths and injuries as well as making the sidewalks safer for pedestrians.