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Date Published: 12/07/2024

Spain clamps down on speeding with tough new limits

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The ‘margin of error’ allowed on dual carriageways and motorways across Spain has been drastically reduced

Spain clamps down on speeding with tough new limits

Spain has just implemented some major changes to its traffic rules that all drivers need to be aware of in order to avoid costly fines. This week, the authorities have drastically reduced the ‘margin of error’ on both fixed and mobile speed cameras, so motorists will be given far less leeway if they’re over the limit.

Until now, both fixed and mobile radars installed by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) followed what’s known as ‘the rule of 5 and 7’. This meant that when the speed limit on a particular road was below 100 km/h, the tolerance margin was +/-5 kilometres per hour for fixed radars and +/-7 km/h for mobile radars.

For speeds exceeding 100 km/h, the tolerance was +/-5% or +/-7%.

Now, with the new ministerial order, the rules have shifted. For fixed cameras i.e. the ones that are always in the same place and never move, the allowed margin for speeds below 100 km/h is just 3 kilometres, providing a tighter window for drivers.

Meanwhile, for measurements above 100 km/h, the tolerance is set at 3%.

Mobile radars, on the other hand, also have updated limits. They now have a maximum error tolerance of +/-5 km/h for speeds that do not exceed 100 km/h. For speeds surpassing 100 km/h, the tolerance is set at +/-5%.

Section radars, which calculate average speeds over specific stretches of road, have also undergone changes. The margin for these devices is now +/-3 km/h or +/-5 km/h for measurements below 100 km/h, providing a slightly wider range.

For speeds above 100 km/h, the tolerance is +/-3% or +/-5%, ensuring accuracy even at higher speeds.

These updated rules aim to strike a balance between enforcing speed limits and providing a reasonable margin of error for drivers, according to the DGT.

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

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