LA REFORMA de la Ley de Tráfico (new Traffic regulations) came into force on 25 May 2010. Promoted as being +Sencilla, + Fácil, + Justa (simpler, easier and fairer) the changes are designed to tidy up the previous arrangements, to promote better standards of driving and to simplify the payment of fines.

As of 25 May programming your satnav, using your mobile phone or wearing headphones or earphones while driving become serious offences, with a fine of €200 and the loss of three points. Riding a bicycle without lights is a minor offence with a fine of €100 but no points deducted. Drink driving and speeding remain serious offences with fines of €500 and the loss of up to six points.

Payment of fines can now be made via the internet at www.dgt.es.

Offenders have up to 20 days to pay their fine or to raise an objection. There is a discount of 50% for early payment.

The number of offences bearing a loss of points has been reduced from 27 to 20. There are no longer any temporary suspensions of driving licences for serious or very serious offences. Licences will only be withdrawn when all points have been lost. So you can drink and drive, get caught, but retain your licence. Is that such a good idea?

According to the Spanish Minister of the Interior, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, standards of driving in Spain are improving all the time: “And it’s not just my perception, the data proves it. In the last five years the number of deaths on the roads has fallen by a half. Proof that we’re driving more safely. However, we should not stop there.”

Sr Pérez has no doubt that the changes just introduced will improve the service to drivers and lead to the further reduction in the number of traffic accidents.

“Most road accidents can be avoided and experience has taught us that the more drivers understand our objectives the more effective the traffic regulations are.”

Further information can be viewed at www.dgt.es, although only in the approved languages of Spain, and not in English nor any other foreign languages. Not that helpful for the two million foreigners who live permanently in Spain.

© Paul Whitelock

Paul Whitelock, a graduate in Spanish and German, is a retired Ofsted school inspector and former UK languages teacher. He now lives with his German wife in a mountain village in the Serranía de Ronda and is a freelance journalist, translator and interpreter. Paul can be contacted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone on (+34) 952 167 402 or 636 52 75 16. www.a1-solutions-spain.com

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New Traffic Laws In Force In Spain
Saturday, 10 July 2010
LA REFORMA de la Ley de Tráfico (new Traffic regulations) came into force on 25 May 2010. Promoted as being +Sencilla, + Fácil, + Justa (simpler,...

© 2012 - Secret Andalucia - Guadiaro Valley, near Ronda

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