Date Published: 11/11/2020
ARCHIVED - New Spanish road traffic regulations penalise mobile phone users and lower urban speed restrictions
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Six points for using a mobile phone whilst driving
A new package of road traffic measures approved by the Council of Ministers, at its meeting on Tuesday, are set to tighten restrictions and increase the penalties for those committing infractions whilst driving in Spain.
The Ministry of Interior will increase the points to be deducted for driving whilst holding mobile phone devices from 3 to 6 points and increase the points lost for failing to enforce child safety measures, from 3 to 4 for not using a seat belt, child restraint systems and other protective elements.
In addition, it explicitly incorporates the misuse of these elements as justification for a fine (for example, not wearing a safety helmet or not fastening a seat-belt).
Carrying radar detectors classified as a serious offence
Carrying detection mechanisms in a vehicle which warn against traffic radars is classified as a serious offense, which will entail a fine of 500 euros and the loss of 3 points.
Points can be recovered by taking driving safety courses
Another point mentioned is the possibility of recovering 2 points for taking courses on safe driving certified by the General Directorate of Traffic. "A ministerial order will develop the necessary requirements and the conditions that must be met," the DGT has detailed.
In addition, the reform establishes two years as the period that will have to pass without further infractions being committed in order to recover the initial balance of points.
The legislation also covers the addition of a new serious offense for driving tests; committing fraud using unauthorized intercom devices, which now carries a penalty of 500 euros and a ban on re-taking the exam within a 6- month period.
Access to driver’s registry
Online access will be made available to the Driver's Registry for companies that transport people and goods so that they can find out if their workers' driving license is valid or not. Red or green will indicate whether the license is current or not, without giving further details of any infractions committed.
After its approval in the first round by the Council of Ministers, the draft must now be approved by the Ministries of Finance, Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, Labor and Social Economy and Territorial Policy and Public Function.
Changes in the Traffic and Vehicle Regulations will come into effect on January 2, 2021.
New limits on urban roads
In the same sitting, the Council of Ministers has approved a royal decree that modifies both the General Traffic Regulation and the General Vehicle Regulation in relation to urban traffic.
This redefines the general speed limits on urban roads (article 50) according to their different classification: on roads that have a single carriageway and raised pavement, the limit will be 20 km / h; on roads which have a single lane for each direction of traffic, 30 km / h; and on roads with two or more lanes per traffic direction, it will continue to be 50 km / h.
These limits will not apply until six months after their publication in the Official State Gazette, so that drivers have sufficient time to be adequately informed about the changes and so that public administrations have sufficient time to adapt the signage.
Scooters are regulated
The Royal Decree also regulates personal mobility vehicles (scooters), defined as vehicles with one or more wheels equipped with a single seat and powered exclusively by electric motors that can provide the vehicle with a maximum speed between 6 and 25 km / h.
This definition excludes vehicles for people with reduced mobility and specifies that these vehicles may not be used on pavements and in pedestrian areas. They will have to comply with full traffic regulations along with other vehicles - undergo breathalyzer tests, do not use headphones, etc. - and their circulation on interurban roads, crossings, highways and highways that pass within the town or in urban tunnels is also prohibited.