No Parking on Bike Lanes The DGT made it quite clear on their social networks. “Just as the pavement is for pedestrians, the bike lane is for the cyclists. Do not use it for running, walking, or parking”. As far as the driver is concerned, parking is prohibited on bike lanes. The law will punish those who obstruct, totally or partially, the lanes destined for … Read More
Mobile Phone Questions Answered Since the law in Spain changed recently, a number of questions have arisen regarding using a mobile phone when driving. Using a mobile phone when driving is never a good idea, since distractions are one of the principal contributing factors to road traffic collisions. In Spain, you risk a fine and the loss of 6 points from your licence. However, … Read More
I Forgot my Licence! It is mandatory to carry your driving licence with you when you drive a car in Spain. The document also serves as an identity card and so there are benefits to having it with you other than the fact it is mandatory, however, there are occasions when we may forget to carry it or choose to leave it at home, … Read More
Myth Busting: Flip Flops It seems to get earlier in the season each year when stories are shared through social media channels explaining certain summer fines such as those for driving when wearing flip flops. Firstly, let us be clear, driving in flip flops, or other inappropriate footwear, can be very dangerous, as was the case in 2016 when a loose fitting sandal got … Read More
Say NO to Alcohol or Drugs Last week, the Guardia Civil, assisted by the local, regional and National Police, were carrying out an extensive surveillance campaign looking for drivers who had consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, and as the season continues, so do the campaigns. Spain does have a prescribed limit, which is less than other countries, including the UK for example, but the only … Read More
Scooter Warning is Very Real In November of last year we issued our first warning that the law would be changed in order to regulate some of the electric scooters which are becoming increasingly popular in Spain. Despite the first set of restrictions being implemented, it would appear that some people are still choosing not to believe the official information, and that is now leading … Read More
How to Check your Points Online The penalty points system in Spain was introduced in July, 2016, not only to penalise poor driving, but also to award those who drive safer. The system is the opposite to that of the UK, in so much as if you commit an offence you will be given points on your licence, in Spain you are given an allocation which … Read More
Smoking whilst Driving It is currently not illegal to smoke whilst driving in Spain. However, the general consensus of a recent survey suggests it should be, if children are in the vehicle. There have been many stories shared through social media of drivers being fined for smoking, and although it is true that there are occasions when drivers have found themselves on the … Read More