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

Execution of directional change maneuvers

Article 75. Execution of directional change maneuvers.
1. In order to carry out the maneuver, the driver:
a) Will indicate his intention in the form set out in Article 109.
b) Unless the road is otherwise laid out or signed, will keep to the right hand side of the road, if the change of direction is to the right, and the left hand side, if it is to the left and the road is one way. If it is to the left and the road is two way, will keep within the lane markings or, if no lane markings exist, to the edge of the road, without invading the lane reserved to oncoming traffic; when the road is two-way and three lanes, separated by discontinuous longitudinal lines, they will have to position their vehicle in the central lane. In all cases the positioning of the vehicle in a suitable place will be done with the necessary indication and the maneuver in the least possible distance and time.
c) If the change of direction is to the left, will leave to the left the center of the intersection, unless laid out or signed to leave it to the right.
2. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

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