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.

Monday 23 July 2007

Pedestrian crossings and crossing roads

Article 124. Pedestrian crossings and crossing roads.
1. In areas where pedestrian crossings exist, those wishing to cross the road must use them, and when such crossings are level with the road, the following rules must be observed in addition:
a) If the crossing has traffic lights for pedestrians, they will obey its indications.
b) If no traffic lights for pedestrians exist but vehicular traffic is regulated by a traffic officer or light, they must not step onto the road while the signal from the officer or traffic light allows vehicular traffic to pass.
c) At other pedestrian crossings signed by the corresponding road markings, although they have right of way, they may only step into the road when the distance and speed of approaching vehicles allow them to do so safely.
2. In order to cross roads without pedestrian crossings, they must make sure that they can do so without risk or illegal obstruction.
3. When crossing the road, they must walk perpendicular to the axis of the road, not unduly delay or stop in it and not obstruct the crossing of others.
4. Pedestrians may not cross plazas or roundabouts on the road, they must go around them.

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