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.

Thursday 12 July 2007

COMPETITIONS

Article 55. Sport tests, cycling marches and other events.
1. The holding of sport tests whose object is to compete in space or time using roads or land subject to the RGC, as well as the accomplishment of cycling marches or other events, will require previous authorization that will be sent according to the indicated rules in Annex II of this regulation, which regulates these activities.
2. Speed competitions are prohibited on public roads or areas of public use unless, exceptionally, they have been authorised by the competent authority (LST Art 20,5).
3. Infractions of this Article are considered very serious offences (LST Art 65.5.g), without prejudice to measures that traffic officers may take to suspend, interrupt or dissolve unauthorized competitions.

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