New road traffic laws Spain 2022

New road traffic laws Spain 2022

The congress of deputies approves new traffic laws

Legislation to amend the road traffic law in Spain have been approved by the Congress of Deputies and will come into effect three months after the publication of the official bulletin.

This will see and increase from 3 to 6 the points to be deducted in the case of holding a mobile in your hand whilst driving and 4 for not using the seat belt. This was previously 3 points.

The rate of 0gr / l in blood or 0mg / l of ehaled air is now included for motorists under 18.

The provision that passenger cars and motorcycles can exceed speed limits on convential roads by 20 km / h
when overtaking other vehciles is withdrawn.

Use intercom devices in the tests for the obtaining and recovering driving licenses, will incur a penalty of 500 euros and the applicant will not be able to re-test for a period of 6 months.

The objective of this normative modification is to update several precepts of the Law on penalty points, a tool that has proven effective in reducing the accident rate on the roads in Spain. However, it was necessary to update to improve the efficiency of the system, adapt it to the
times and reinforce road safety.

Main amendments to the road traffic laws in Spain

Distractions

Increase from 3 to 6 the points for use of hand held mobile phones while driving. Since 2016, distractions behind the wheel have been the number one cause of fatal accidents (31%), in 2020. The proliferation of social media, Mobile dependence and immediacy are harmful elements while driving, therefore the penalty points has led to the Spanish authorities increasing the penalty points for this type of infraction. There is also a 200 euro fine.

Seat belt and other protection

Increases from 3 to 4 penalty points for not using a seatbelt properly or failure to use a child restraint system. Additionally, the same penalty if you fail to use a helmet where required. The fine is the same penalty of 200 euros.
1 in 4 deaths in a traffic accident still does not use the
seat belt.

More safety for cyclists

With an increase in the safety of cyclists in mind, one orads with more than one lane, you must change lane to pass cyclists. This is also the same for passing mopeds. Infactions now incur 6 penalty points rather than 4 penalty points when overtaking and endangering or hindering cyclists. For example, without leaving the mandatory minimum separation of 1.5m. The fine remains 200 euros.

Throwing objects form your vehicle

The penalty points for throwing objects from your car are now 6 points rather than 4. Cigarettes for example.

Alcohol limit for young drivers in Spain

Drivers under the age of 18 using any vehicle (mopeds, AM license, motorcycles up to 125cc, bicycles and personal mobility vehicles) may not circulate with an alcohol level greater than 0, both in blood and air exhaled.

Anti-start breathalysers

(Alcoholock) mandatory for motorcycles road passenger transport vehicles that are registered from 6 July 2022. These vehicles are required to have an alcohol ignition interlock.

Overtaking rule changes

The possibility of passenger cars and motorcycles legally exceeding the speed limits by 20 km / h on conventional roads when passing other vehicles is now withdrawn.
2 out of 3 fatal accidents occur on roads conventional. In 2019, for example, 239 died in a frontal collision on a conventional road.