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

RULES OF PRIORITY AT INTERSECTIONS

Article 56. Signed intersections.
1. At intersections the right of way will always be signalled (LST Art 21,1).
2. Vehicles approaching an intersection regulated by a Traffic Officer must stop if ordered to do so by means of signals specified in Article 143.
3. Vehicle approaching an intersection regulated by traffic lights must act in the way specified in Article 146.
4. Vehicles approaching a signed intersection with priority, or driving on a signed priority road, described in Articles 149 and 151, will have priority over vehicles on other roads or joining from them.
5. At intersections with “give way” or “stop” signs, described in Articles 151 and 169, drivers will always give way to vehicles travelling on the priority road, whichever direction they approach from, stopping if necessary or if so signed.
6. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

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