Stricter driving laws to come into force in Spain – all you need to know

THE Ministry of Transport approved on Tuesday, changes to its traffic code that will serve stricter penalties for common driving offences.

The update of the current Traffic Code comes as the DGT aims to crack down on some of the most common causes of traffic accidents.

“Since 2016, distractions are the main cause of serious accidents,” said Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska.

The new laws will also target speed limits in urban areas, driving without seat belts and tighter regulations on where electric scooters can be ridden.

When the law comes into force, drivers caught using mobile phones while driving will face loosing six points on their licence instead of the current three, with repeat offenders loosing a further four.

Four points will also be issued for drivers not wearing a seat belt, motorcycle riders not wearing a helmet and children in vehicles without the proper child seat.

Drivers with devices fitted to their cars to detect speed cameras will lose three points as well as a fine of €500.

Regarding speed limits, one way roads will be reduced to 20km/h with single lane roads down to 30km/h.

Urban roads will also be reduced from 50km/h to 30km/h.

Multi lane highways will stay at 50km/h however roads in Spain’s major cities will not be affected by the new restrictions.

The current trend of electric scooters has also been targeted in a crack down on accidents involving irresponsible users.

E-Scooters and Segway style vehicles will now be banned from all pavement and pedestrianised areas, with offenders facing a €500 fine.

Marlaska hopes that the new laws will help reduce road deaths and serious injuries caused by careless driving by up to 50%.

The proposal is currently awaiting confirmation by the central government before a full roll-out can be scheduled.