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.

Friday 13 July 2007

General rules

Article 98. General rules.
1. All vehicles travelling between sunset and sunrise or at any time in tunnels, underpasses and stretches of road controlled by the signal "Tunnel" (S-5) use lights corresponding to that determined in this section.
2. The regulation of lighting systems that are not prohibited, or those not specifically described in this chapter or other rules of this regulation, must conform to the arrangements in the RGV.
3. In addition bicycles must be equipped with reflecting elements that, properly homologated, are set out in the RGV. When it is obligatory to use lights, cyclists must wear in addition, reflective clothing that allows drivers and other users to see them at a distance of 150m, if travelling on an interurban road.

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