Although it is both inconvenient and illegal, it is not uncommon to see vehicles driving in the wrong lane, such as the centre or left lanes of a motorway when not overtaking, and sometimes there is a temptation to pass these vehicles on the right, but overtaking on the right is only permitted in Spain in very rare and clearly defined situations.
The Law makes it clear that when a vehicle wants to overtake, we must do so following the correct procedure and to the left of the vehicle we are passing, however there are limited exceptions:
When the driver of the vehicle you intend to overtake is clearly indicating an intention to change direction to the left or stop on that side.
When the density of traffic is such that vehicles occupy the entire width of the road and can only travel at a speed that depends on the speed of the vehicle in front of them in their lane.
In any section of road where there are acceleration or deceleration lanes or lanes or parts of the road intended exclusively for the traffic of certain vehicles, passing more quickly on those lanes than on normal traffic lanes, or vice versa, will not be considered overtaking.
Experts diagnose drivers who tend to always drive on the left edge of the road as victims of left lane syndrome. Although it is called this, the practice is not a disease, but it is an offence, as the Traffic and Road Safety Act specifies that the right lane must be used for driving and the left lane only for overtaking. The fine for not respecting this rule is 200 euro.
Discover more from N332.es - Driving In Spain
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
