Road users beware: Ignore this behavior on the highway, or face a fine of €200, as per Spain's DGT warning.
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in Spain is stepping up its efforts to ensure road safety by implementing stricter regulations and educating drivers about traffic rules, even the ones that seem small or counterintuitive. One such rule that has caught many expats and holidaymakers hiring a car in Spain off guard is the ban on using hazard lights during routine traffic jams.
According to the DGT, the correct way to warn others of a sudden slowdown is by pressing the brake pedal repeatedly so that your rear lights flash, or by sticking your arm out the window and moving it up and down quickly. Using hazard lights to flag a traffic jam ahead is what the DGT wants to stop, as it creates confusion.
Violating this rule could result in a €200 fine. This regulation is written into the Reglamento General de Circulación, Spain's driving rulebook. The Ministry of the Interior (Ministerio del Interior) of Spain is responsible for the introduction of the penalty against the use of emergency brake lights in traffic jams.
Many Spanish drivers have been unaware of this rule and have been using their hazard lights in such situations for years. However, it's important to remember that hazard lights are strictly reserved for real emergencies, not routine traffic jams.
The DGT is emphasizing the importance of knowing all traffic rules to ensure a safe and orderly flow of traffic. For expats living in Spain and holidaymakers hiring a car, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with these rules to avoid potentially costly fines.
In addition to the crackdown on hazard light misuse, the DGT is also testing the S-991d STOP radar system in certain parts of Spain. This system is aimed at making roads safer, particularly in urban zones. The S-991d STOP radar system is linked to electronic eyes and can tell instantly if a car has slowed down but not stopped fully at a STOP sign.
Stay updated with our publication for more news from Spain. Next time the motorway ahead grinds to a halt, drivers should resist the urge to use hazard lights and instead tap their brake pedal, keep their distance, and save themselves €200. A habit picked up over years in Spain could potentially be a sanction waiting to happen.
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