On a routine patrol in Rojales this week, a Guardia Civil traffic patrol stopped and fined two cyclists. When a bicycle is being ridden, it is a vehicle. Therefore it is governed by the same rules of the road as cars, vans, trucks, in fact any other vehicle. On this particular occasion, the cyclists was observed failing to stop at …

Spain operates a network of traffic monitoring devices, not only looking for drivers who are speeding and those who skip trough red lights, but the new range monitors for such bad practices as using a mobile phone and the use of seatbelts. Here are the five types of monitoring devices currently in use. Fixed Cameras: These devices are nicknamed “speed …

Offence: Blocking Junctions. When you stop at a junction, if you block the passage of other vehicles, you face a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: The idea of junctions is to allow traffic to flow in different directions safely. If a junction is blocked, delays soon follow and delays can lead to a build-up of traffic and unsafe conditions. It is crucial that …

Offence: Insecure Animals in the Vehicle. Having an animal in the vehicle that could interfere with the driver can result in a fine, so a dog sat loose on the front seat for example is not allowed. Carrying animals which are not properly restrained is dangerous to them too. The same applies for cases, cages and boxes with the animal inside, …

Offence: Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving. Using your mobile phone when driving also carries a fine, even if you are holding it on “speaker”, you are still holding and using your mobile. You are also not allowed to wear any kind of headphone or headset. Even the popular single-ear Bluetooth headsets are not permitted when you are driving. You cannot …

Offence: Failing to Carry the Correct Emergency Equipment. Failing to carry the correct emergency equipment in the car will result in a fine. The mandatory equipment you must carry are two warning triangles, a reflective vest, and spare wheel, along with the tools to change it. It is no longer mandatory for you to carry spare bulbs or a spare set …

Offence: Failing to Indicate. Turning through a junction without the appropriate signals also carries a fine. Fine: 200 euro Reason: Indicators are designed to tell other road users of our intentions. They indicate what we intend to do. If we fail to use our indicators then we are posing a risk as other road users will be unaware of our intentions.

Offence: Failing to Respect the Priority of Pedestrians. Failing to respect the priority of pedestrians and the fact that pedestrians take precedence will result in a fine and, depending on the potential risk to those pedestrians, the loss of 4 points. Fine: 200 euro Reason: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all road users. Facing a potential collision with a vehicle, the pedestrian …