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

Moderation of speed. Special cases

Article 46. Moderation of speed. Special cases.
1. Moderate speed and if necessary, stopping is required when the circumstances demand it, and especially in the following cases:
a) When there are pedestrians who are old, blind, children or other people manifestly disabled or their presence can be anticipated.
b) When approaching bicycles, as well as at intersections and near cycleways or lanes and at pedestrian crossings not regulated by traffic lights or traffic officers, as well as when approaching markets, teaching institutions or to places where the presence of children is foreseeable.
c) When there are animals in the road or can rationally anticipate their presence.
d) Where buildings have immediate access to the road [no pavement].
e) At bus stops.
f) Outside town when approaching stationary vehicles or bicycles using the road or hard shoulder.
g) In slippery conditions or when water, gravel or other materials may be thrown up.
h) Approaching level crossings, roundabouts and intersections where no priority is shown, where there is reduced visibility or narrowing. At properly signed intersections and the visibility of the road is practically nil, the vehicle speed must not exceed 50kph.
i) Passing another vehicle, when the circumstances of the road, the vehicles, the weather or the environment make it hazardous.
j) In case of being dazzled, in accordance with the arrangements in Article 102.3.
k) In cases of dense fog, intense rain, snow or clouds of dust or smoke.
2. Infractions of this Article are serious or very serious offences, depending on the speed (LST Arts 65.4.c and 65.5.e).

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