Driving in Spain.

Contrary to what you may see on the roads in Spain, driving here is NOT:
1. Just like the UK but on the other side,
2. A free-for-all with no rules, or rules to be ignored if you're local.

The Guardia Civil and police can and do enforce traffic regulations, and can really spoil your holiday.

Inspired by Brian Deller's excellent "Motoring in Spain", this site tells you what the traffic laws are in Spain. Unlike the UK Highway Code, they are not guidelines, they are fixed... and to be obeyed.

Most Spanish road traffic law is contained in the LSV (Ley de Seguridad Vial), on which is based the RGC (Reglamentación General de Circulación) which also has the force of law. Allied to this is the RGV (Reglamentación General de Vehículos) which covers construction and use of motor vehicles.

This site is still under construction and will be quite large (over 170 articles for the RGC alone). The best place to start is the RGC index and the glossary. The RGV, and LSV will be added later when translation has been checked.

Wednesday 27 June 2007

Investigation of intoxication. People required to give a sample.

Article 21. Investigation of intoxication. People required to give a sample.
All drivers of vehicles and bicycles are required to submit to tests that detect possible alcohol intoxication. Also other road users are required to test when they are involved in any traffic accident (LST Art 12,2, para 1).
Traffic officers will be able to test:
a) Any road user or vehicle driver involved directly, such a person in charge, in a traffic accident.
b) Drivers of any vehicle with evident symptoms that give reasonable cause to believe that they are under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
c) Drivers who are reported for the commission of some infraction of the rules contained in this regulation.
d) Any driver during programs of preventive control [random tests].

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