The new Traffic Law in Spain, which comes into force in March 2022, introduces a “no alcohol” limit on personal mobility users under 18 years ; fines drivers with a mobile in their hand at the wheel; and introduces measures to protect cyclists.
The law also suppresses the 20k margin for overtaking on secondary roads, increases fines for not using a seatbelt and failing to use security seating for children.
Throwing cigarette butts out of the car window, a major cause of fire in Spain, carries a hefty fine and points of the driving licence.
Helmets will also obligatory for electric scooter users and driving them on the pavement banned.
Below are the complete details of the new law.
SIX POINTS FOR HOLDING A MOBILE PHONE
The new law punishes drivers who are distracted at the wheel: one of the main causes of road accidents. Using or holding a mobile phone at the wheel or using a mobile phone (or other ) with head phones now carries six points. Other use of mobiles when driving carries three points.
SUPRESSION OF SPEED INCREASE FOR OVERTAKING
The margin of an increase of 20k an hour for overtaking is suppressed in the new law.
OVERTAKING CYCLISTS
The new law establishes a new manner to overtake cyclists. When a road has more than one lane (ie. one lane in each direction) it will be obligatory to change lane completely when overtaking cyclists. There will also be an offence, carrying six points, for overtaking in a manner that endangers or forces cyclists to slow down or stop or failing to allow a minimum of 1.5 metres when overtaking.
HARSHER PUNISHMENTS FOR THROWING CIGARETTE BUTTS
Throwing a butt out of the car window will carry a 500 euros fine and six points.
There will also be a new offence for “failing to comply with the norms of assistance” on public roads.
SEATBELTS AND CHILD SAFETY
The law increases from three to four points the failure to use a seatbelt and or failing to use the adequate protection for children travelling in a vehicle (child seats etc). Fine remains at 200 euros.
NO ALCOHOL UNDER 18 YEARS
Minors are prohibited from using any mobility vehicle (scooter, quads, bicycle etc) with an alcohol limit that exceeds 0.0 grams. No alcohol then for under 18´ who use these modes of transport.
From July 6, 2022 the categories M2 and M eight seater vehicles must be fitted with alcohol meters which prevent the vehicle starting.
RADAR DETECTORS
The law prohibits installing mechanisms which detect radars or traffic cameras and an offence carries fines of 200 euros and three points. Inhibitors carry six points and fines of 6,000 euros.
HELMETS FOR ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
There are various norms in the new law in the face of the proliferation of “personal mobility vehicles” in particular electric scooters which may not be used on motorways or pavements. Users will have to use a helmet.
RECOVERING POINTS
Points may be recovered through driving courses (excluding those who have lost all points)
CHEATING IN EXAMS
The law recognises the “shortcuts” used to obtain a driving licence or recover one and recognises especially the use of mobiles etc during an exam. This becomes a “grave” offence and carries a fine of 500 euros and a ban for preparing for a driving licence for six months.
Editors Note
Readers will note there are some details missing. The law has to pass through the Senate before it becomes law next March. Nexonr will keep readers informed of any changes and additions including fines and points.
