Driving in Spain

Using the safety belt in the rear seats of the car reduces death risk by almost a half

2008-02-12T15:26:00.000+01:00

From Eurekalert (edited for clarity):

The Spanish Government's General Traffic Directorate (DGT) has been insisting for many years on that use of seat belts on the road can save lives. However, most drivers associate this warning with the use of this device in the front seats , whereas its use in the rear seats is much less.

In light of this, the paper ‘Individual factors affecting the risk of death for rear-seated passengers in road crashes’, prepared by researchers Pablo Lardelli Claret, José Juan Jiménez Moleón and Aurora Bueno Cavanillas (of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health of the University of Granada) and Juan de Dios Luna del Castillo (of the Department of Statistics), shows the importance of the use of rear seat belts. Their work has produced very significant data such as: the use of rear seat belts reduces the risk of death by 44 per cent.

The research work, carried out from data provided by the Government's General Traffic Directorate on road crashes occurring in Spain between 1993 and 2002, analyses the death of rear seat occupants according to their age, gender, use of restraint systems and seating position. To carry out this analysis they only considered data concerning vehicles occupied by two or three rear-seated passengers for accidents in which at least one of these passengers was killed. The authors analyzed all 5,260 rear-seated passengers, who were travelling in 2,266 vehicles 2,851 of which were killed.

Women and children
An increased risk of death was observed in this analysis carried out at the UGR for females and children aged under 3; women are 28% more likely to die than men, and children aged under 3, 70% more likely than those aged between 15 and 19.

The research work also concludes that the risk of death in the rear-seats of a vehicle is higher as we get older. According to the analysed DGT data, people older than 64 years old are the highest risk sector when traveling in the rear seats, as they have 407% more chance of dying than persons aged between 15 and 19 years old.
The last variable analysed by the researchers from Granada is the death of passengers with regard to their location in the rear of the car. Their work shows that those passengers traveling in the centre or right seat [cars in Spain are left-hand drive and drive on the right] are less likely to be killed in the event of an accident than those in the left seat.

Edits

2007-11-09T12:30:00.000+01:00

Following on from comments received via the "Brits in Spain" group I am clarifying some sections and introducing new labels, e.g. roundabouts

144.2.a.6

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144.2.a.5

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144.2.a.4

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144.2.a.3

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144.2.a.2

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144.2.a.1

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143.3.e

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143.3.d

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143.3.c

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143.3.b

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143.3.a

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143.2.e

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143.2.c

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143.2.b

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143.2.a

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143.2.d

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Traffic lights reserved to certain vehicles

2007-07-23T16:23:00.016+02:00

Article 148. Traffic lights reserved to certain vehicles.
When traffic lights display the illuminated silhouette of a cycle, their indications exclusively refer to cycles and mopeds.
When, exceptionally, the traffic light consists of an illuminated white strip on black ground, their indications exclusively refer to trams and fixed-route buses, unless a lane exists reserved for buses or buses, taxis and other vehicles; in such case, they only refer to traffic in that lane. The meaning of these traffic lights are as follows:
a) A steady horizontal white strip prohibits crossing as if it were a steady red light.
b) A steady vertical white strip allows one to proceed ahead.
c) A steady diagonal white strip, to left or right, indicates respectively that crossing is allowed to turn left or right.
d) A flashing vertical or diagonal white strip indicates the affected vehicles must stop as if it were a steady yellow light.

Square vehicle or lane traffic lights

2007-07-23T16:23:00.015+02:00

Article 147. Square vehicle or lane traffic lights.
Traffic lights for lane occupation exclusively affect vehicles travelling in the lane over which they are located or as indicated in a variable signaling panel and the meaning of the lights are as follows:
a) A red light in cross form prohibits occupying the indicated lane. Drivers of vehicles travelling in this lane must abandon it as soon as possible.
b) A green light in arrow form pointed downwards allows travelling in the corresponding lane. The authorization to use the lane does not exempt one from the obligation to stop before a circular red light nor from other signals having priority in Article 133, obliging stopping or to giving way, or in their absence, of the fulfillment of the general rules on priority.
c) A white or yellow light in arrow form, flashing or steady, pointing diagonally downwards, indicates to users of the corresponding lane the necessity to leave that lane incorporating themselves safely in the lane towards which it points, as the lane over which it is placed will shortly close to traffic.

Circular vehicle traffic lights

2007-07-23T16:23:00.014+02:00

Article 146. Circular vehicle traffic lights.
The meaning of the lights and arrows are as follows:
a) A steady red light prohibits crossing. While it remains lit, vehicles may not pass the traffic light nor if it exists, the stop line in front of it. If the traffic light is inside or on the far side of an intersection, vehicles must not enter it or if it exists, cross the stop line located before it.
b) A flashing red light, or two alternatively flashing red lights, temporarily prohibits vehicles from crossing a level crossing, a movable bridge or a ferry crossing, on the approach to a fire station exit or on the approach of aircraft at low altitude.
c) A steady yellow light means that vehicles must stop in the same conditions that if it were a steady red light unless, when it lights, the vehicle is so near that it cannot stop before the traffic light sufficiently safely.
d) A flashing yellow light or two alternatively flashing yellow lights obliges drivers to exercise extreme caution and, if applicable, to give way. In addition, they do not exempt one from the requirement of other stop signals.
e) A steady green light means that crossing with priority is allowed, except in the cases mentioned in Article 59.1.
f) A black arrow on a steady red or yellow light does not change the meaning of these lights, but it exclusively limits it to the direction indicated by the arrow.
g) A green arrow on a black ground means that the vehicles can take the direction indicated, whatever light is simultaneously lit in the same or ajoining traffic light panel. Any vehicle that, when igniting the green arrow, is in a lane reserved exclusively for the Traffic in the direction and senses indicated by the arrow or that, without being reserved, is the one that this Traffic must use, will have to advance in this direction and sense. The vehicles that advance following the indication of a green arrow must make it with precaution, leaving happen to the vehicles that circulate around the lane to which they are gotten up and not putting in danger the pedestrians who are crossing the road.

Traffic lights reserved for pedestrians

2007-07-23T16:23:00.013+02:00

Article 145. Traffic lights reserved for pedestrians.
The meaning these traffic lights is as follows:
a) Steady red light, in the form of a standing pedestrian, indicates to pedestrians that they must not start to cross the road.
b) Steady green light, in the form of a walking pedestrian, indicates to pedestrians that they may start to cross the road. When the light starts to flash, it means that pedestrians already on the crossing may finish and that the light will change to red.

Temporary signals and bollards

2007-07-23T16:23:00.012+02:00

Article 144. Temporary signals and bollards.
1. Variable message panels aim to regulate traffic, adapting it to changing circumstances. They are used to give information to drivers, to warn of possible dangers and to give recommendations or instructions requiring compliance. The content of text and signals in variable message panels will comply with the official Catalogue of Traffic signals.
The modifications that these variable message panels introduce with respect to the normal signaling finish when either the panel changes or the causes which motivated its imposition return to normal.
2. The marking by bollards can be:
a) Barrier devices: they prohibit access to the part of the road that they delimit and are as follows:
i) Fixed barrier: prohibits access to the road or part of it which it delimits.
ii) Moving barrier or semi-barrier: Temporarily prohibits access, while it is in the horizontal position to the road at a level crossing, customs or toll position, or access to a site or other place.
iii) Provisional directional panel: prohibits access and indicates the direction of travel.
iv) Flags, cones or analogous devices: prohibit access through the real or imaginary line that joins them.
v) Steady red light: indicates the road is totally closed to traffic.
vi) Steady or flashing yellow lights: prohibit access through the imaginary line that joins them.
b) Guiding devices: Their purpose is to indicate the edge of the road, the presence of a bend, traffic direction, road work limits or other obstacles. They are as follows:
i) Separation marker: A semicylindrical bollard with symmetrically opposed triangles on its front, of reflective material, that indicates the point at which two lanes of traffic separate.
ii) Edge markers: A bollard whose fundamental purpose is to mark out the highway’s edges at night or in low visibility.
iii) Permanent directional panels: A panel intended as a directional guide and to indicate to users an imminent danger.
iv) Road studs or cat’s eyes: A reflective stud placed in the road surface to delimit lanes or mark the road edge at night or in poor visibility.
v) Reflective barriers: A reflective surface placed on barriers to mark their presence at night or in poor visibility.
vi) Flat bollards: Indicate the edge of the road, factory or works limits or other obstacles in the road.
vii) Cylindrical bollards: They reinforce any safety measure, prohibiting crossing of the imaginary line that joins them.
viii) Lateral barriers: Rigid, semi-rigid or moveable; they indicate the edge of the road and protect against leaving the road.
3. The form, color, design, symbols, meaning and dimensions of bollards will conform to that set down in the official Catalogue of Traffic signals.

Arm and other signals

2007-07-23T16:23:00.011+02:00

Article 143. Arm and other signals.
1. Traffic officers regulating traffic will ensure that they are easily recognizable at a distance at all times, that their signals are visible. Their orders must be immediately obeyed by road users. The following persons must wear reflective clothing whilst working; Traffic Officers or Military Police regulating traffic, works personnel, those accompanying special transport regime vehicles, school patrols, civil protection personnel, sporting activities personnel, and others specified in section 4 of this Article. The relective clothing must be visible to approaching drivers at a minimum distance of 150 m.
2. As a general rule, traffic officers will use the following signals:
a) Arm raised vertically: obliges all drivers approaching the officer to stop, except drivers who cannot do so in conditions of sufficient safety. If at an intersection, it does not oblige drivers to stop who have already entered it. Stopping must occur before the nearest stop line or, in its absense, immediately before the officer. At an intersection, stopping must occur before entering it. After this signal, the officer may indicate the place where stopping must occur.
b) Arm or arms extended horizontally: obliges all road users approaching the officer from directions that cross the path indicated by the arm or extended arms from whatever direction to stop. This signal remains in force even if the officer lowers his arm or arms, until he changes position or gives another signal.
c) Waving a yellow or red light: obliges road users towards which the agent directs the light to stop.
d) Arm extended moving it alternatively up and down: this signal obliges drivers approaching the officer perpendicular to the side corresponding to the signalling arm to reduce their speed.
e) Other signals: when circumstances demand, officers may use any other signal different from the above in a clear manner. Officers may order vehicles to stop with short whistle blasts, and a ‘go’ signal with a long blast.
3. Officers may give orders or indications to road users while by using signal V-1 in the RGV, through loud hailer or by any other means that can be clearly understood, including the following:
a) Red flag: indicates that the road beyond the vehicle with the flag is temporarily closed to all traffic, except those accompanied or escorted by traffic officers.
b) Green Flag: indicates that the road beyond the vehicle with the flag is reopened to traffic.
c) Yellow Flag: indicates to other drivers and road users the presence of danger. This flag may also be used by personnel responsible for the order, control or safety during cycling events or any other activity, sporting or not, on roads subject to the LST.
d) Arm extended and inclined downwards: obliges the user indicated to stop on the right hand side.
e) Flashing yellow or red lights: obliges the driver preceding the officer to stop the vehicle on the right hand side, in front of the police vehicle, in a place where it does not create further risk or annoyance to other users, and to follow the instructions of the officer by means of loud speaker.
4. In the absence of traffic officers or to help them, and in the circumstances and conditions established in this regulation, Military Police, works personnel or those accompanying special transport vehicles may regulate traffic by means of signals R-2 and R-400, and by the same means, school patrols can require road users to stop. When the competent authority authorizes sporting or other activities that require traffic controls on urban or interurban roads, the authority responsible for the traffic may authorize civil protection personnel or the responsible organization to bar access of vehicles or pedestrians to the affected area or itinerary, in the conditions set out in Annex II.
When Security or Armed Forces of the State, in the scope of their duty, establish controls for public safety on the highway, they may regulate traffic in the absence of traffic officers.
The form and meaning of signals and orders of traffic officers will conform to that in the official Catalogue of Traffic signals. These signals also appear in Annex I.

Obligations relative to signaling

2007-07-23T16:23:00.010+02:00

Article 142. Obligations relative to signaling.
1. The road owner or, if applicable, the authority in charge of regulating traffic will order the immediate removal and, if applicable, the substitution of signals unlawfully installed, have lost their purpose or those that do not meet their purpose due to deterioration (LST Art 58,1).
2. Except where justified to the contrary, nobody may install, remove, transfer, hide or modify road signaling without permission of its owner or, as applicable, the authority in charge of traffic regulation or the person in charge of its facilities (LST Article 58,2).
3. It is prohibited to modify the content of the signals or to place on them or in their environs plates, posters, marks or other objects that may cause confusion, reduce to their visibility or its effectiveness, dazzle road users or distract their attention, without prejudice to the competencies of the road’s owner (LST Art 58,3).
The relevant Jefatura Central de Tráfico, the autonomous authority or local person in charge of regulating traffic may alter at any time, the content of signals mentioned in Article 144,1 to adapt them to changing traffic circumstances, without prejudice to the competencies of the road’s owner.
4. Removing or damaging signals permanently or temporarily is a serious offence (LST Art 65.4.f).

Object and type of signals

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Article 141. Object and type of signals.
Except where justified to the contrary, in any type of works or activities on the road, only signals, bollards and safety elements and devices included in the basic regulation to this effect by the Ministries of Public Works and the Interior may be used, as indicated in Annex I.

Signaling of road works

2007-07-23T16:23:00.008+02:00

Article 140. Signaling of road works.
Works that make impede in any way road traffic must be signed, by day and night, and marked out with bollards luminous at night, or when the meteorological or environmental conditions require it, at the cost of the contractor of the work, according to the basic regulation of the Ministry of Public Works and the Economy.
When road works are signed, the road marks will be of yellow color. Also the following vertical signals will have a yellow ground:
a) Danger warning signals P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, P-13, P-14, P-15, P-17, P-18, P-19, P-25, P-26, P-28, P-30 and P-50.
b) Regulation signals R-5, R-102, R-103, R-104, R-105, R-106, R-107, R-200, R-201, R-202, R-203, R-204, R-205, R-300, R-301, R-302, R-303, R-304, R-305, R-306, R-500, R-501, R-502 and R-503.
c) Indication signals: all lane and direction signals.
Their meaning will be the same as those used when there are no works.
The form, color, design, symbols, meaning and dimensions of work signals are those that appear in the official Catalogue of Traffic signals. The form, symbols and nomenclature also appear in Annex I of this regulation.

Responsibility

2007-07-23T16:23:00.007+02:00

Article 139. Responsibility.
1. The road owner is responsible for its maintenance in the best possible conditions for traffic safety and the installation and conservation on it of adequate road signals. The road owner also needs prior authorization to install on it other traffic signals. In an emergency, the agents of the authority may install temporary signals without prior authorization (LST Art 57,1).
2. The authority in charge of traffic regulation will be responsible for temporary signaling in regard to contingencies and for the necessary variable signaling in its control, in agreement with the legislation of highways (LST Art 57,2).
Therefore, the relevant Jefatura Central de Tráfico, the autonomous authority or local person in charge of traffic regulation will determine the types or stretches of road that require temporary or variable signaling or other means of traffic monitoring, regulation, control and remote management; the characteristics of the physical and technological elements that they have as auxiliary purposes of the traffic authority; the installation and maintenance of signaling and their physical or technological elements, as well as the control at all times of the uses and messages of variable message panels, without prejudice to the competencies that may belong to the road’s owner.
3. Responsibility for signaling of works done on roads subject to the LST will correspond to the organisations that carry them out or their subcontractors. Road users are required to follow the indications of the personnel designated to the regulation of vehicles in these works, according to the arrangements in Article 60.5.
When works are done by subcontractors or organizations different from the owner, they will, prior to commencing work communicate to the relevant Jefatura Central de Tráfico, the autonomous authority or local person in charge of traffic, who will specify the instructions in relation to traffic regulation, management and control.
4. The carrying out of works without prior authorization of the road owner will be governed by the arrangements in the legislation of highways or, as applicable, the municipal rules (LST Art 10,1).
The carrying out and signaling of works that do not meet the specified instructions is considered a serious offence (LST Art 65.4.f).

Language of signals

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Article 138. Language of signals.
The written indications that are included or accompany signaling panels on the public roads, and inscriptions, will appear in Spanish and in addition, the official language of the autonomous community, when the signal is located in the territory of the community.
Population centers and features will be designated in their official language and if necessary in Spanish.

Inscriptions

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Article 137. Inscriptions.
1. In order to facilitate the interpretation of the signals, an inscription placed in a rectangular complementary panel under it or inside a rectangular panel that contains the signal.
2. Exceptionally, when the competent authorities consider it advisable to make specific the meaning of a signal or a symbol or, to limit their application to certain categories of road users or to certain periods, and the necessary indications by means of additional symbols or numbers cannot be given in the conditions defined in the official Catalogue of Traffic signals, an inscription under the signal will be placed in a rectangular complementary panel, without prejudice to the possibility of replacing or complementing those inscriptions by means of one or more expressive symbols placed on the same plate.
In case the signal is placed on a fixed or variable message panel, the inscription to which it refers becomes may be located next to it.

Visibility

2007-07-23T16:23:00.004+02:00

Article 136. Visibility.
So that they are more visible and legible at night, road signals, especially those warning of danger and those of regulation, must be illuminated or provided with materials or reflecting devices, according to the arrangements in the established basic regulation to the effect by the Ministry of Public Works and the Economy.

Application

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Article 135. Application.
Signals apply to the entire width of the road that drivers are authorized to use in the direction of the signal. However, its application may be limited to one or more lanes, by means of marks in the road.

Official catalogue of Traffic signals

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Article 134. Official catalogue of Traffic signals.
1. The official Catalogue of Traffic signals will be adjusted to that established in the regulations and the international recommendations in the matter, as well as to the established basic regulation to the effect by the Ministries of the Interior and Public Works.
2. In this catalogue is specified the form and meaning of signals and, their color design, dimensions and their systems of positioning.
3. The signals that can be used on roads subject to the LST will have to meet the rules and specifications set down in this regulation and the official Catalogue of Traffic signals.
4. The form, symbols and nomenclature of signals, as well as the documents that constitute the official Catalogue of Traffic signals, are those that appear in Annex I.

Order of priority

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Article 133. Order of priority.
1. The order of priority between different types of Traffic signals is as follows:
a) Signals and orders of traffic officers.
b) Temporary signals that modify the normal regime of road use and signals by fixed bollards.
c) Traffic lights.
d) Vertical traffic signals.
e) Road marks.
2. In case prescriptions indicated by different signals seem to contradict each other, the higher priority one will prevail, according to the order in the previous paragraph, or the most restrictive, if ther are signals of the same type (LST Art 54,2).

Obeying signals

2007-07-23T16:04:00.002+02:00

Article 132. Obeying signals.
1. All road users are required to obey the traffic signals that establish an obligation or a prohibition and to adapt their behavior to messages from the rest of the prescribed signals that are on the roads on which they travel.
To this end, when the signal imposes an obligation to stop, the driver may not move the vehicle thus stopped until he has fulfilled the prescription that the signal establishes.
At dynamic tolls or telepeajes, vehicles that use them must have the means that allows their use (LST Art 53,1).
2. Except for special circumstances so justify, users must obey the prescriptions indicated by signals, even though they appear to contradict the rules of traffic behavior (LST Art 53,2).
3. Users must obey the indications of traffic lights and vertical traffic signals located immediately to their right of the road or lane, and if they do not exist there and they are trying to turn left or go straight ahead, those located immediately to the left.
If traffic lights or vertical traffic signals exist with indications different to right and left, those trying to turn left or go straight on must only obey those immediately to their left.

Concept

2007-07-23T16:04:00.001+02:00

Article 131. Concept.
The signage is a set of signals and orders by traffic officers, temporary signals that modify the normal regime of use of the road and fixed signals; bollards, traffic lights, vertical traffic signals and road marks, for road users which serve to warn and to inform them or order or regulate their behaviour in advance of certain road or traffic circumstances.

Vehicle immobilization and fallen loads

2007-07-23T16:04:00.000+02:00

Article 130. Vehicle immobilization and fallen loads.
1. If, because of accident or vehicle damage or if their load has fallen in the road, drivers, after properly indicating the vehicle or the obstacle, must take the necessary measures to remove it from the road in the least possible time and to locate it meeting the parking rules whenever feasible (LST Art 51,2).
2. Whenever, in an emergency, a vehicle is immobilized in the road or its load has fallen into it, the driver or, if necessary, the occupants of the vehicle will try to put it somewhere where it causes the least obstruction to traffic, using if necessary, the hard shoulder or the median strip; also they will take the appropriate measures so that the vehicle and load are removed from the road as quickly as possible.
3. In the cases to referred to in the previous paragraph, hazard lights, if fitted must be used, width gauge lights and sidelights, and if possible, drivers must use their hazard warning triangles to warn other road users, unless traffic conditions prevent it. Such devices will be placed, one ahead and another one behind the vehicle or the load, at a minimum distance of 50m and such that that they are visible from at least 100m, by approaching drivers. On one-way roads, or more than three lanes, it is sufficient to position a single device, located at least 50m away in the manner previously indicated.
4. If it is necessary to call for help, the nearest emergency telephone must be used, if the road has them; if not, help must be sought from other road users. In no event unless unavoidable will anyone use the road.
5. Towing of broken down or damaged vehicles can only be done by specifically designed vehicles. Exceptionally, and always in safe conditions, towing by another vehicle is allowed, but only to the nearest place where it can be properly immobilized and without obstructing traffic. This exception is not applicable on autopistas or autovías.
6. When the emergency happens to a vehicle transporting dangerous goods, the specific rules will be applied in addition.

Obligation to help

2007-07-23T15:49:00.007+02:00

Article 129. Obligation to help.
1. Road users involved in a traffic accident, present at it or have knowledge of it will be required to help or call for help to take care of any casualties, to help in avoiding greater danger or damage, to restore as far as possible, traffic safety and to clarify the facts (LST Art 51,1).
2. Any road user involved in a traffic accident must, if possible:
a) Stop in a way that does not create new danger to traffic.
b) To assess the circumstances and consequences of the accident, that allows him to establish priorities, according to the situation with respect to the measures to adopt to guarantee traffic safety, to help any casualties, to facilitate their identity and to cooperate with the authorities or their officers.
c) To make an effort to restore or maintain traffic safety and if, apparently, there are fatalities or serious injuries to anyone or has been told so by the authorities or their officers, to avoid moving any evidence which might be used to determine responsibility, unless it compromises the safety of the wounded or traffic.
d) Assist the injured suitably according to circumstances, and especially, to successfully obtain medical help.
e) Advise the authorities or their officers if apparently, someone has been hurt or died, as well as remain in or return to the place of the accident until their arrival, unless he has been authorized by them to leave the scene or has to help the injured or be taken care of himself; it is not necessary however, to warn the authorities or their officers, nor to remain at the scene, if clearly only slight injuries exist, traffic safety is restored and none of the people involved in the accident ask for it.
f) Communicate in any case, their identity to other people involved in the accident if requested; when only material damage is caused, to give their name and address, either directly, or to the traffic officers present.
g) Provide their vehicle data to other people involved in the accident, if requested.
3. Except where manifestly, their assistance is not necessary, any road user who notices that a traffic accident has occurred, even if not involved must assist, as soon as possible, governed by the rules in the previous paragraphs, unless the authorities or their officers are present at the scene.

Rules relative to autopistas and autovías

2007-07-23T15:49:00.006+02:00

Article 128. Rules relative to autopistas and autovías.
Animal traffic is prohibited on autopistas or autovías (LST Art 50,2). This prohibition includes animal drawn or draft vehicles.

Special rules

2007-07-23T15:49:00.005+02:00

Article 127. Special rules.
1. Animals referred to in the previous Article must be lead at least, by a person over 18 yearsof age, able to lead them at all times, who will observe in addition to the rules established for vehicle drivers that can affect him, the following prescriptions:
a) They will not use the sidewalk.
b) hunting animals, beasts of burden, ridden animals and individual livestock will travel along the hard shoulder on the right hand side, and if they must use the road, they will do so keeping as close possible to the right hand side; by exception, it is allowed to lead one individual of such animals on the left hand side, for reasons of greater safety.
c) Animals lead in herds or flocks will travel along the side, as close as possible of the right hand side of the road and so that they never occupy more than the right hand half of the road, divided in groups of moderate length, each group with one drover at least and sufficiently separated to minimize traffic obstruction; if they encounter another herd travelling in the opposite direction, their drovers will ensure passing is done as quickly as possible and in areas with sufficient visibility, and if not possible due to circumstances, will take the necessary precautions so that approaching vehicle drivers can stop or reduce speed in time.
d) They will only cross the roads by signed, authorized crossings or by other places that meet the necessary safety conditions.
e) If travelling at night on a poorly lit road or under meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce visibility, their drover or drovers carry enough lights as their situation and dimensions require on the side closest to the center of the road, that will be white or yellow at the front, and red at the rear which may constitute a single set.
f) At narrows, intersections and other cases where the respective routes cross or meet, will give way to vehicles, except where stated in Article 66.
2. It is prohibited to leave animals unattended on any type of road or in its environs, if the possibility exists that they can wander onto the road.

General rules

2007-07-23T15:49:00.004+02:00

Article 126. General rules.
On roads subject to the law, only hunting animals, beasts of burden, ridden animals and livestock individually, in herds or flocks will be allowed on the road, when no practicable itinerary by animal track exists and whenever they are accompanied by someone. They will use the road that has the least traffic density and in accordance with the rules in this chapter (LST Art 50,1).

Rules for autopistas and autovías

2007-07-23T15:49:00.003+02:00

Article 125. Rules for autopistas and autovías.
1. Pedestrian traffic on autopistas and autovías is prohibited, except in the cases and conditions determined in the following paragraphs.
Vehicle drivers travelling on autopistas or autovías must ignore requests to cross by pedestrians, including at toll booths.
2. If due to accident, damage, physical illness of the occupants or other emergency vehicle has to stop on an autopista or autovía and it is necessary to ask for help, the nearest emergency telephone must be used or, if the road is not equipped with this service, the help of other users may be requested, on no account may the occupants of the vehicle travel on the road.
3. Occupants or operators of emergency service or special vehicles may travel along autopistas and autovías whenever it is strictly necessary for the service provided and must take appropriate measures not to endanger other users.

Pedestrian crossings and crossing roads

2007-07-23T15:49:00.002+02:00

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.

Travelling at Night

2007-07-23T15:49:00.001+02:00

Article 123. Travelling at Night.
Outside town, between sunset and sunrise or in meteorological or environmental conditions that significantly reduce the visibility, all pedestrians travelling along the road or hard shoulder, must have a homologated high-visibility reflective jacket corresponding to the technical specifications contained in Royal Decree 1407/1992, of 20 of November, implementing the EU Personal Protective Equipment Directive which is visible at least 150m away from approaching drivers. Groups of pedestrians directed by a person forming a procession will carry, in addition, the necessary lights to identify their position and size, which will be white or yellow at the front and red at the rear which may constitute a single set, on the side of the procession closest to the centre of the road.

Travelling along the road or the hard shoulder

2007-07-23T15:49:00.000+02:00

Article 122. Travelling along the road or the hard shoulder.
1. Outside town, on all roads subject to the law, and in town (including highways under construction has no zone reserved especially for pedestrians, as a general rule, travel is on the left the left (LST Art 49,2).
2. Despite the previous section, pedestrians may travel on the right when circumstances dictate for reasons of greater safety.
3. In town, pedestrians may travel on the right or left, according to the conditions traffic, the road or visibility.
4. Despite the arrangements in paragraphs 1 and 3; those pushing a bicycle or moped, hand carts or similar, all groups of pedestrians directed by a person or forming a procession, those in wheelchairs and others where applicable must always travel on the right. All must obey signals directed to them by drivers of vehicles, traffic officers and traffic lights.
5. Travelling on the hard shoulder or the road will be done prudently, without obstructing traffic unnecessarily, as far as possible to the side of the road. Except for processions, pedestrians must travel in single file if safety demands, especially in reduced visibility or in busy traffic.
6. Where there are pedestrian refuges, sidewalks or other suitable area, no pedestrian may remain in the road or on the hard shoulder, even if waiting for a vehicle, and may only be in the road when actually boarding a vehicle.
7. On noticing sirens or lights of high-priority vehicles, pedestrians must clear the road and remain in pedestrian refuges or sidewalks.
8. Traffic in residential streets properly signalled with sign S-28 in Article 159 is governed by the arrangements for this sign.

Use of sidewalks (pavements). Exceptions

2007-07-23T15:27:00.004+02:00

Article 121. Use of sidewalks (pavements). Exceptions.
1. Pedestrians are required to sidewalks, except if absent or not practicable; when they may use the hard shoulder or, in its absence, the road, in accordance with the rules determined in this chapter (LST Art 49,1).
2. Nevertheless, where there is a sidewalk, by adopting due precautions, pedestrians may travel along the hard shoulder or, if that is absent or impassable, along the road:
a) If carrying a large object or pushing/dragging a non-motor vehicle of reduced dimensions, if using the sidewalk or hard shoulder would constitute a considerable hindrance for other pedestrians.
b) Any group of pedestrians directed by a person which forms a procession.
c) Someone in a wheelchair motorized or not, at a walking pace.
3. Pedestrians must use the sidewalk on the right in relation to their direction of travel, and if using the sidewalk on the left they must always give way to anyone raising their hand. He must not stop, thus impeding the use of the sidewalk by others, unless using a pedestrian crossing or to get in a vehicle.
4. Those using skateboards, skates or similar equipment must not use the road, unless in areas, roads or parts of which are specially provided for them, and may only use sidewalks shared with pedestrians in properly signed residential streets with the signal in Article 159, and in no case it is allowed that they be towed by other vehicles.
5. No vehicular traffic may use the sidewalks or other pedestrian zones.

General rules

2007-07-23T15:27:00.003+02:00

Article 120. General rules.
1. Exceeding driving times by more than 50% or reducing rest times by more than 50% is considered to affect road safety. These times are established in the legislation on land transport.
2. Infractions of the arrangements in this rule are very serious offences, (LST Art 65.5.h).

Exemptions

2007-07-23T15:27:00.002+02:00

Article 119. Exemptions.
1. Despite the arrangements in Article 117, travelling without belts or other homologated retention systems may be done:
a) By drivers only, when parking or reversing.
b) By women having a medical certificate stating the condition or pregnancy and the approximate date of its conclusion.
c) By people with a certificate of exemption for serious medical reasons or by reason of disability.
The certificate referred to in paragraphs b) and c) must be presented/displayed when required by any traffic officer.
Any certificate of this type issed by the competent authority of a European Union member state will be valid in Spain when accompanied by an official translation.
2. The exemption will also apply in town, but never on autopistas, autovías or highways, to:
a) Taxi drivers, when in service.
b) Goods vehicle drivers, when they make successive loading and unloading operations in places located short distances apart.
c) Drivers and passengers of emergency service vehicles.
d) People who accompany a student or apprentice during driving tuition or aptitude tests and are in charge of the additional controls of the automobile, taking responsibility for traffic safety.
3. Exempted from the arrangements in Article 118,1 are people provided with a certificate of exemption for serious medical reasons, issued in accordance with paragraph 1.c) above. This certificate must state its period of validity and be signed by a practising qualified person. It must in addition carry or incorporate the symbol established in the current rules.

Helmets and other elements of protection

2007-07-23T15:27:00.001+02:00

Article 118. Helmets and other elements of protection.
1. Drivers and passengers of motorcycles, motorcycles with sidecar, three-wheeled vehicles, quadricycles and mopeds must properly use protective helmets homologated or certificated according to the current legislation, when travelling both in and out of town.
When motorcycles, vehicles of three wheels, quadricycles or mopeds are provided with self-protection structures and have lap belts and thus subject to technical inspection or moped certification, drivers and passengers need not use a protective helmet, but must use the lap belt when travelling in or out of town.
Bicycle riders must use protective helmets homologated or certificated according to the current legislation, when travelling out of town, except when ascending long climbs, or for medical reasons established in Article 119,3, or in extremely hot conditions.
Professional bicycle riders when competing, and cyclists, whilst training or competing, will govern themselves by their own rules.
2. The installation, in any vehicle, of head supports or other elements of protection will be subject to fulfilling the conditions determined in the RGV.
3. Drivers of cars, buses, goods vehicles, mixed vehicles, non-agricultural vehicle combinations, as well as drivers and auxiliary personnel of vehicles accompanying supporting convoys must use a high visibility reflecting vest, certificated according to Royal Decree 1407/1992, of 20 of November, by which the EU Personal Protective Equipment directive is enacted, that must be provided in the vehicle, when they leave the vehicle and use the road or hard shoulder of interurban roads.

Lap belts or other homologated retention systems

2007-07-23T15:27:00.000+02:00

Article 117. Lap belts or other homologated retention systems.
1. Lap belts or other homologated retention systems must be used, correctly fastened, whether travelling in or out of town:
a) By the driver and passengers:
i) Of cars.
ii) Of vehicles with a MAM up to 3,500kg that, keeping the essential characteristics of cars, are for the transport, simultaneous or not, of people and goods.
iii) Of motorcycles and motorcycles with sidecar, mopeds, vehicles of three wheels and quadricycles, when equipped with a protection structure and lap belts which are subject to technical inspection.
b) By the driver and passengers in the front seats of goods vehicles with a MAM not exceeding 3,500kg, and of passenger vehicles having in addition to the driver, more than eight seats, with a MAM not exceeding five tonnes and are required by regulation to have lap belts or arresting systems.
2. It is prohibited to travel with passengers under twelve years old in the front seats, unless they use homologated safety devices (LST Art 11,4).
People over three years old and less than 150cm tall must use a homologated fastening system adapted to their stature and weight or fastened with a lap belt or other homologated fastening system for adults in a back seat of the vehicle. Children under three years, seated in the back, must use a homologated fastening system adapted to their stature and its weight.
The use of lap belts, in the school vehicles, will conform to that established in the specific regulation and, in particular, to the dispositions contained in Royal Decree 443/2001, of 27 of April.
3. Not having lap belts installed in the vehicle is an offence (LST Art 67,2).

Obligatory nature of their use and exceptions

2007-07-18T16:44:00.008+02:00

Article 116. Obligatory nature of their use and exceptions.
Drivers and occupants of motor vehicles and mopeds are required to use lap belts, helmets and other elements of protection in the cases and conditions set out in this chapter and the RGV, with the exceptions also set out in this chapter, in conformance with international recommendations on the matter and taking note of the special conditions of disabled drivers.

Turning off the engine

2007-07-18T16:44:00.007+02:00

Article 115. Turning off the engine.
1. Even if the driver does not leave the vehicle, he must turn off the engine whenever the vehicle is stopped inside a tunnel or in a closed place or whilst filling with fuel (LST Art 46).
2. All drivers must remain with their vehicle if stopped inside a tunnel or other closed place. After waiting for more than two minutes, they must turn off the engine, keeping the position lights on until they can continue travelling.
3. To refuel a vehicle, the engine must be turned off.
The owners and employees of gas stations must not allow refuelling if the engine, lights, radios and any device emitting electromagnetic radiation (e.g. cell phones) are not turned off.
4. In the absence of proprietors or employees of gas staions, the driver of the vehicle or the person doing the refuelling must fulfill the same requirements set down in the previous paragraph.

Doors

2007-07-18T16:44:00.006+02:00

Article 114. Doors.
1. It is forbidden to leave open the vehicle doors, to open them before the vehicle has stopped or to get in or out without having previously checked that it does not endanger or obstruct other users, especially bicycle riders (LST Art 45).
2. As a general rule, the occupants must enter and leave the vehicle by the side next to the edge of the road and only when the vehicle is stopped.
3. No unauthorized person may open the doors of public transport vehicles, nor may they close them at stops, obstructing the boarding of passengers.

Warnings of other vehicles

2007-07-18T16:44:00.005+02:00

Article 113. Warnings of other vehicles.
In accordance with the arrangements in Article 71, drivers of works or service vehicles and of tractors, agricultural machinery and other vehicles or special transport will advertise their presence by means of the use of the flashing light (V-2) mentioned in Article 173, or by means of lights determined in the RGV.

Warnings by emergency service vehicles

2007-07-18T16:44:00.004+02:00

Article 112. Warnings by emergency service vehicles.
Drivers of vehicles of the police, fire, civil protection and rescue services, and medical assistance, public or private, when travelling in an emergency, may advertise their presence in accordance with the arrangements in Article 68.2.

General rules

2007-07-18T16:44:00.003+02:00

Article 111. General rules.
Emergency service vehicles, public or private, special vehicles and special transports may use other optical and acoustic signals in the cases and under the conditions determined in the following Articles of this section.

Acoustic warnings

2007-07-18T16:44:00.002+02:00

Article 110. Acoustic warnings.
1. Exceptionally, or if required by the LST, non-strident horn signals may be used. Their unwarranted or exaggerated use is prohibited.
2. Horn signals may only be used by drivers of non-high priority vehicles:
a) In order to avoid a possible accident and, exceptionally on narrow roads with many bends.
b) To warn, outside town, the driver of another vehicle of the intention to overtake.
c) To advertise their presence to other road users, in accordance with Article 70.

Visible signals

2007-07-18T16:44:00.001+02:00

Article 109. Visible signals.
1. Drivers must indicate by means of visible signals any maneuver that implies a lateral or backwards movement of the vehicle, as well as their intention to stop it or reduce speed considerably. Such visible signals must be done sufficiently in advance of the start of the maneuver, and, if they are lights, they must remain in operation until the maneuver is finished.
2. They must take into consideration, in addition, the following:
a) lateral displacement must be signalled by using direction indicators corresponding to the direction that it is going to take, or by arm signal, in the horizontal position with the palm of the hand extended downwards, if the movement is going to be towards the side that the hand indicates, or doubled upwards, also with the palm of the extended hand, if it is going to be towards the opposite side.
In maneuvers that imply a lateral movement, it is this that is exclusively signalled, for this reason the signal must be cancelled as soon as the vehicle has adopted its new direction.
b) Reversing must be signalled with the corresponding reversing light, if fitted, or if not, by extending the arm horizontally with the palm of the hand backwards.
c) The intention to halt the vehicle or reduce speed considerably, even if imposed by traffic conditions, must be signalled either by (whenever possible) repeated use of the brake lights or by moving the arm up and down with short and fast movements.
When stopping on an autopista or autovía or in places or circumstances where visibility is greatly reduced, the presence of the vehicle must be signalled by use of the hazard warning lights if fitted, or by position lights.
If stopping or parking then, in addition, the direction indicator corresponding to the side towards it is going to move must be used, if fitted.
3. With the same aim, horn signals noted in the following Article may be replaced by use of intermittent headlight flashes, or both alternately, at very short intervals and avoiding dazzling other users.

Obligation to indicate maneuvers

2007-07-18T15:21:00.009+02:00

Article 108. Obligation to indicate maneuvers.
1. Drivers are required to signal to other road users any maneuvers that they are going to carry out with their vehicles (LST Art 44,1).
2. Generally these warnings will be done using the vehicle lights or, in their absense, with the arm (LST Art 44,2).
The validity of arm signals is conditional that they are visible to other road users and that they are performed in accordance with the arrangements in the following Article, and annul any other visible indication that contradicts them.

Failure or damage to lights

2007-07-18T15:21:00.008+02:00

Article 107. Failure or damage to lights.
If, by reason of damage or failure of the corresponding lights, travelling with lights of lesser intensity is possible, the speed must be reduced so that it allows stopping of the vehicle within the illuminated area.

Conditions of reduced visibility

2007-07-18T15:21:00.007+02:00

Article 106. Conditions of reduced visibility.
1. It is obligatory to use lights when meteorological or environmental conditions exist that significantly reduce visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, falling snow, clouds of smoke or dust or any other analogous circumstance (LST Art 43).
2. In the above cases front fog lights or headlights must be used.
Front fog lights can be used independently or with headlights.
Front fog light may only be used in the above cases or on narrow roads with many bends, i.e. having a road width of 6.50m or less, signed with signals indicating a series of bends, regulated in Article 149.
Rear fog lights may only be used when the meteorological or environmental conditions are especially unfavorable, such as thick fog, very heavy rain, heavily falling snow or dense clouds of dust or smoke.
3. Travelling without the appropriate lights in situations of reduced visibility is a serious offence (LST Art 65.4.e).

Immobilized vehicles

2007-07-18T15:21:00.006+02:00

Article 105. Immobilized vehicles.
1. Any vehicle immobilized between sunset and sunrise or under the conditions of Article 106, on a road or hard shoulder, must show position lights and, if applicable, width gauge lights.
2. Any vehicle stopped or parked between sunset and sunrise on an insufficiently illuminated road or hard shoulder must show position lights or parking lights or the two position lights corresponding to the side facing the road, when parked in file.
3. On urban roads that are not travesías it is not obligatory for parked vehicles to show position lights when the illumination allows other users to distinguish them at a sufficient distance.
4. Immobilization, stopping or parking of a vehicle without showing lights where required is a serious offence (LST Art 65.4.e).

Use of lights during the day

2007-07-18T15:21:00.005+02:00

Article 104. Use of lights during the day.
Dipped beam headlights are required during the day for:
a) Motorcycles travelling on road subject to the LST.
b) All vehicles travelling on reversible lane, a temporary additional lane or a lane provided for contraflow, either a lane exclusively reserved for such traffic, or is open exceptionally to traffic in that direction, as well as those requirements stated in in Articles 41 and 42.

License (registration) plate lights

2007-07-18T15:21:00.004+02:00

Article 103. License (registration) plate lights.
All vehicles in the circumstances mentioned in Articles 99 or 106 must always have their license plate illuminated and, as appropriate, any other required plates or symbols illuminated, considering their characteristics or use.

Dazzling

2007-07-18T15:21:00.003+02:00

Article 102. Dazzling.
1. Main beam headlights must be replaced by dipped beam if the risk arises of dazzling other users of the same or any other road, and especially drivers of oncoming vehicles even though they may not obey this rule. Main beam must not be reactivated until escaping, in the crossing, the position of the crossed vehicle.
2. The same precaution applies with respect to vehicles travelling in the same direction and whose drivers may be dazzled through the rear view mirror.
3. Drivers who are dazzled must reduce speed, even as far as stopping, to avoid collision with vehicles or pedestrians travelling in the same direction.
4. Infractions of this rule are serious offences (LST Art 65.4.e).

Dipped beam headlights

2007-07-18T15:21:00.002+02:00

Article 101. Dipped beam headlights.
1. All motor vehicles and mopeds travelling between sunset and sunrise on sufficiently illuminated urban or interurban roads, or at any time in sufficiently illuminated tunnels, underpasses and stretches of road controlled by the signal "Tunnel" (S-5), must use, in addition to position lights, dipped beam headlights.
They must also be used in towns, when the road is insufficiently illuminated.
2. All motor vehicles and mopeds must use dipped beam headlights when travelling between sunset and sunrise on insufficiently illuminated interurban roads or at any time in insufficiently illuminated tunnels, underpasses and stretches of road controlled by the signal "Tunnel" (S-5), if any of the following circumstances occur:
a) Not having main beam headlights.
b) Travelling at a speed less than 40kph and not using main beam headlights.
c) Risk of dazzling other users of the public road.
3. Dazzling other users of the road and travelling without lights in situations of poor visibility are serious offences, (LST Art 65.4.e).

Main beam headlights

2007-07-18T15:21:00.001+02:00

Article 100. Main beam headlights.
1. All vehicles equipped with main beam lights travelling at more than 40kph, between sunset and sunrise, outside town, on insufficiently illuminated roads or at any time in tunnels, underpasses and stretches of road controlled by the signal "Tunnel" (S-5) that are poorly lit, must use main beam headlights, except when dipped beam is required, as set out in in Articles 101 and 102, in order to avoid dazzling.
Main beam may be used separately or with dipped beam.
2. The use of main beam whenever the vehicle is stopped or parked is prohibited, as is flashing the main beam or dipped beam other than set out in this regulation.
3. Insufficiently illuminated or poorly lit is understood to mean that, with normal eyesight, from any point in the road road, the license plate cannot be read at 10m or a dark colored vehicle is not distinguishable at 50m distance.
4. Dazzling other users of the road and travelling without lights in situations of poor visibility are serious offences, (LST Art 65.4.e).

Position (side) lights and width gauge lights

2007-07-18T15:21:00.000+02:00

Article 99. Position (side) lights and width gauge lights.
1. All vehicles travelling between sunset and sunrise or under the conditions referred to in Article 106 and in tunnels, underpasses or stretches of road controlled by the signal "Tunnel" (S-5) must use position lights and, if the width of the vehicle exceeds 2.1m, width gauge lights.
2. Travelling without lights in poor visibility is a serious offence, (LST Art 65.4.e).

General rules

2007-07-13T17:11:00.002+02:00

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.

Halting of a vehicle in level crossing, movable bridge or tunnel

2007-07-13T17:11:00.001+02:00

Article 97. Halting of a vehicle in level crossing, movable bridge or tunnel.
1. If, for reasons of force majeur a vehicle is left stopped on a level crossing or its load falls onto it, the driver must take the necessary measures for the fast evacuation of the occupants from the vehicle and to clear the crossing as quickly as possible. If not possible, he must immediately use any means available to alert both railway personnel and other vehicle drivers approaching the crossing to the existence of the danger with sufficient notice (LST Art 41).
2. The rules in the previous section apply, in the same circumstances, when a vehicle stops on, or its load falls onto a movable bridge.
3. If in an emergency a driver is immobilized with his vehicle in a tunnel or underpass, he must:
a) Turn off the engine, put on the hazard lights and leave on the position lights.
b) If possible, move the vehicle to the next area emergency lay-by in his direction of travel. If there is no lay-by, he must stop the vehicle as close as possible to the right hand side of the road.
c) Place the hazard warning triangles correctly on the road.
d) Call for help without delay at the next first aid post (SOS), if it exists, and follow the instructions given to him.
e) The driver and occupants must get out of the vehicle quickly, going to the next refuge or exit, without using the road if areas separated from the traffic exist.
f) If the vehicle is able to move, he must continue to the tunnel or underpass exit, or if not possible, to the next emergency lay-by.
In case of fire, the driver must leave the vehicle as close as possible to the right hand side so as not to obstruct the passage of emergency vehicles. He must turn off the engine; leave the key in the ignition and the doors open. The driver and occupants must abandon the vehicle quickly, going to the next refuge or exit, in the opposite direction to the fire, without using the road if areas separated from the traffic exist.
If traffic conditions cause a vehicle to stop inside a tunnel or underpass, the driver and the passengers must not abandon the vehicle. In this case the driver must use the hazard warning lights temporarily to warn other drivers that may be following, leave on the position lights and turn off the engine. He must stop as far as possible behind the vehicle in front.

Barriers, semibarriers and traffic lights

2007-07-13T17:11:00.000+02:00

Article 96. Barriers, semibarriers and traffic lights.
1. No road user may enter a level crossing whose barriers or semibarriers are lowered in the road or moving either up or down, or when their traffic lights are lit prohibiting crossing and instructing users to stop.
2. No road user may enter a level crossing equipped with barriers, semibarriers or traffic lights, without first checking that no rail vehicle is approaching.
3. No user, except emergency, recovery or maintenance services, may enter a tunnel or underpass if at the entrance a traffic light prohibits entry.

Obligations of users and owners of roads

2007-07-13T16:45:00.004+02:00

Article 95. Obligations of users and owners of roads.
1. All drivers must exercise extreme prudence and reduce their speed below the limit when approaching a level crossing or a movable bridge (LST Art 40,1).
2. Users who, when arriving at a level crossing or a movable bridge find it closed or with the barrier or semibarrier in motion must stop in file in the corresponding lane until they have free passage (LST Art 40,2).
3. Crossing of railways must be done without delay and after checking that, by circumstance of traffic or other causes, no risk exists of being immobilized on the crossing (LST Art 40,3).
4. Level crossings and movable bridges will be properly signed by the owner of the road in the way described in Articles 144, 146 and 149.
5. Tunnels of any length and underpasses over 200m long will be properly signed.
6. In tunnels or underpasses drivers must rigorously apply all the traffic rules relative to them contained in this regulation and especially those referring to the prohibitions on stopping, parking, U-turns, reversing and overtaking. In addition, they must use the corresponding lights.
When not intending to overtake, a safety distance behind the preceding vehicle of at least 100m or a minimum interval of four seconds must be maintained. In the case of vehicles whose MAM exceeds 3,500kg, the safety distance behind the preceding vehicle must be at least 150m or a minimum interval of six seconds.
In tunnels or underpasses with traffic in both directions, overtaking is prohibited, unless more than one lane exists in the direction of travel, in which overtaking is allowed without invading the opposing lane.
7. At all times drivers and users of a tunnel or underpass must obey the indications of traffic lights and variable message panels, and follow instructions given to them through loud speakers or other means.

Prohibited places

2007-07-13T16:45:00.003+02:00

Article 94. Prohibited places.
1. It is forbidden to stop:
a) On bends and gradients with reduced visibility, on their approaches and in tunnels, underpasses and stretches of roads governed by the signal “Tunnel".
b) On level crossings, cyclist crossings and pedestrian crossings.
c) In lanes or parts of the road reserved exclusively for determined users.
d) At intersections and approaches if the turn becomes difficult for other vehicles, or on interurban roads, if danger from lack of visibility is caused.
e) On street car rails or so near to them that street cars can get stuck.
f) Where it is reduces the visibility of signals to users who need them for maneuvering.
g) On autopistas and autovías, except in areas provided.
h) In lanes reserved for the exclusive use of urban public transport, or in lanes reserved for cyclists.
i) In places reserved for parking and stopping exclusively by urban public transport.
j) In places signed for the exclusive use of the disabled and pedestrian crossings (LST Art 39,1).
2. It is prohibited to park in the following cases:
a) In all situations in the previous section in which stopping is prohibited.
b) In places provided by the municipal authority for parking with time limitation without displaying an authorization or when parking the vehicle in excess of the maximum time allowed by the municipal ordinance.
c) In places signed for load and unloading.
d) In places signed for exclusive use of the disabled.
e) On sidewalks, pedestrian precincts and other places provided for pedestrians.
f) In front of official “keep clear” signs.
g) Double parking (LST Art 39,2).
3. Stopping or parking in the places enumerated in paragraphs a), d), e), f), g) and i) of section 1, on level crossings and in lanes reserved for use by urban public transport are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.d).

Municipal ordinances

2007-07-13T16:45:00.002+02:00

Article 93. Municipal ordinances.
1. Stopping and parking on urban roads is regulated by municipal ordinance, the necessary measures may be adopted to avoid obstruction of traffic, including time limitations on parking, as well as the necessary means, including the removal of a vehicle or its immobilization when it is illegally parked until the the driver can be identified (LST Art 38,4).
2. Municipal ordinances cannot contradict, alter, weaken or produce confusion with the rules of this regulation.

Positioning of the vehicle

2007-07-13T16:45:00.001+02:00

Article 92. Positioning of the vehicle.
1. Stopping and parking is done by positioning the vehicle in parallel to the side of the road. Exceptionally, other positioning is allowed when the characteristics of the road or other circumstances make it advisable.
2. Drivers who stop or park must do so such that they allow the best use of the remaining available space.
3. When getting out of a motor vehicle or off a moped, the driver must observe in addition, where applicable, the following rules:
a) To turn off the engine and remove the ignition key and, if leaving the vehicle, to take the necessary precautions to prevent its unauthorized use.
b) Put on the parking brake.
c) In a vehicle provided with a gearbox, to leave it placed in first gear, on an uphill slope, and in reverse, on a downhill slope, or, if applicable, in the ‘park’ position.
d) For vehicles of more than 3,500 kg MAM, buses or articulated vehicles stopping or parking in a place with a significant gradient, the driver must, in addition leave it properly chocked, by means of positioning wedges, or other suitable items such as stones, or by pointing one of the streered wheels at the curb of the sidewalk, angling them towards the center of the road if pointing uphill, and towards the outside if pointing downhill. Chocks must be removed from the road before moving off.

Method and manner of stopping or parking

2007-07-13T16:29:00.002+02:00

Article 91. Method and manner of stopping or parking.
1. Stopping and the parking must be done in such a way that the vehicle does not obstruct traffic nor constitute a risk to other road users, taking special care in positioning the vehicle and avoiding its movement in the absence of the driver (LST Art 38,3).
2. Stopping or parking in places considered as dangerous or where it seriously obstructs traffic include the following cases:
a) When the distance between the vehicle and the opposite side of the road or a longitudinal mark on it which indicates a crossing prohibition is less than 3m or, in any case, when it does not allow the passage of other vehicles.
b) When it prevents the moving off of another vehicle properly stopped or parked.
c) When it blocks the normal use of an exit or access to a building by people or animals, or by vehicles of a “keep clear” sign.
d) When the normal use of a disabled parking bay is obstructed.
e) When done in the median zones, separations, islands or other traffic directing elements.
f) When the corresponding signal prohibits turning.
g) When parking in a load and unloading zone, during the stated hours of use.
h) When double parking and the driver leaves the vehicle.
i) When the parking in signed and marked public transport stop.
j) When parking in spaces expressly reserved for emergency or security services.
k) When parking in specifically signed prohibited areas in the road.
l) When parking in the middle of the road.
m) Stopping or parking not included in the previous paragraphs that constitutes a danger or seriously obstructs the passage of pedestrians, vehicles or animals.
3. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.d).

Places suitable for stopping and parking

2007-07-13T16:29:00.001+02:00

Article 90. Places suitable for stopping and parking.
1. Stopping or parking a vehicle on interurban roads must always be done off the road, on the right hand side and leaving the passable part of the hard shoulder free (LST Art 38,1).
When for emergency reasons it is not possible to locate the vehicle off the road and the passable part of the hard shoulder, the rules contained in the following Articles of this chapter and those in Article 130 will be observed, if applicable.
2. When on urban roads it must be done on the road or the hard shoulder with the vehicle as close as possible to the right hand side, except on one-way roads, where it can also be done on the left (LST Art 38,2).
Municipal authority ordinances must also be observed in accordance with Article 93.

Obstacles.

2007-07-13T16:07:00.001+02:00

Article 89. Obstacles.
1. Equally, in the circumstances indicated in the previous Article, any driver that encounters any obstacle in his way that forces him to occupy the way reserved for oncoming traffic may do so, whenever he has checked that he can do so safely. The same precaution must be observed when the obstacle or immobilized vehicle is on a stretch of road where overtaking is allowed.
2. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Immobilized vehicles.

2007-07-13T16:07:00.000+02:00

Article 88. Immobilized vehicles.
1. When finding an immobilized vehicle on a section of road where overtaking is prohibited that totally or partially occupies the road in the direction of travel, unless immobilization is due to traffic density, it can be passed, even if necessary to occupy the part of the road reserved for oncoming traffic, having checked that the maneuver can be done safely. With identical requirements moving bicycles, cycles, mopeds, pedestrians, animals and animal drawn vehicles can be passed, when done so without risk to them or other traffic.
2. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

OVERTAKING MANEUVERS THAT THREATEN ROAD SAFETY: Prohibitions

2007-07-13T15:35:00.002+02:00

Article 87. Prohibitions.
1. It is prohibited to overtake:
a) On bends and gradients with reduced visibility and in general, any place or circumstance where visibility is insufficient to overtake or abort the maneuver once started, unless both traffic flows are clearly delimited and the maneuver can take place without invading the area reserved for oncoming traffic (LST Art 36,1).
In accordance with the arrangements in the previous paragraph, it is prohibited, in particular, to overtake another vehicle that is overtaking when the caracteristics of the vehicle in front obstructs forward visibility.
b) At signed pedestrian crossings, at intersections with cyclist routes, at level crossings and their approaches (LST Art 36,2).
However, this prohibition is not applicable when overtaking two wheeled vehicles that by their reduced dimensions do not obstruct lateral visibility, at a level crossing or its approaches, provided overtaking is so indicated by horn or lights. The prohibition at a signed pedestrian crossing is not applicable either if overtaking is done at a speed sufficiently reduced that it allows time to stop if danger of running over occurs.
c) At intersections and their approaches, except when:
i) At a circular intersection or roundabout.
ii) Overtaking on the right, as described in Article 82.2.
iii) The road has priority at the intersection and is expressly signalled as such.
iv) Overtaking two wheeled vehicles (LST Art 36,3).
d) In tunnels, underpasses and sections of road governed by the signal "Tunnel" (S-5) in which there is only one lane in each direction.
2. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

THE OVERTAKEN VEHICLE: The driver’s obligations

2007-07-13T15:35:00.001+02:00

Article 86. The driver’s obligations.
The driver who is indicated to that the vehicle behind intends to overtake must keep to the right hand side of the road, except whre turning or changing direction to the left or stopping on the same side referred to in Article 82,2, in which case he must keep to the left, but without interfering with the progress of oncoming vehicles (LST Art 35,1).
Where it is not possible to keep to the right hand side of the road and the overtaking can be done safely, drivers of vehicles referred to in paragraph 3 that are going to be overtaken will indicate it is possible to approaching traffic by extending the arm horizontally and moving it repeatedly backwards and forwards, with the back of the hand facing backwards, or by using their right hand indicator, when it is not advisable to use the hand signal.
The driver of the vehicle that is going to be overtaken is forbidden to increase speed or to carry out maneuvers that prevent or impede overtaking.
He is also required to reduce the speed of his vehicle when, once overtaking is started, some situation occurs that endangers his own vehicle, the overtaking vehicle, oncoming traffic or any other road user (LST Art 35,2).
Despite the previous paragraph, when the overtaking vehicle gives clear indication of abandoning the maneuver by reducing its speed, the driver of the vehicle which would have been overtaken is not required to reduce theirs, if by so doing it would endanger other traffic, although it is required to facilitate the return to his lane of the would-be overtaker.
Drivers of heavy vehicles, those of large dimensions or those required to observe a specific speed limit must reduce speed or use the hard shoulder, if practicable, to allow overtaking, when the oncoming traffic density, the insufficient width of the road, its profile or condition does not allow overtaking with ease and safety.
Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Obligations of those overtaking during the maneuver

2007-07-13T15:35:00.000+02:00

Article 85. Obligations of those overtaking during the maneuver.
1. Whilst overtaking, the driver who does so must travel at a speed significantly faster than those he tries to overtake and must leave between both a lateral separation sufficient to do so with safety (LST Art 34,1).
2. If, after starting to overtake he notices that the situation makes overtaking difficult without risk, he will reduce his speed quickly and return to his lane and so indicate to those following with the mandatory signals (LST Art 34,2).
3. The driver of the overtaking vehicle must afterwards return to his lane as soon as possible in a gradual way, without forcing other users to change their direction or speed, indicating with the mandatory signals (LST Art 34,3).
4. When overtaking pedestrians, animals, two wheeled or animal drawn vehicles outside town, and the maneuver must be done using all or part of the right hand lane, as long as the conditions laid out in this regulation exist; in any case, the lateral separation must not be less than 1.5m. It is specifically prohibited to overtake if to do so would endanger or obstruct oncoming cyclists.
When overtaking other vehicles different from those of the previous paragraph, or takes place in town, the driver of the overtaking vehicle must leave a safety gap proportional to his speed and the width and characteristics of the road.
5. The driver of a two wheeled vehicle who overtakes any user outside town must do so leaving a minimum gap of 1.5m between themselves and the most salient parts of the vehicle that he overtakes.
6. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Obligations on overtaking before initiating the maneuver

2007-07-13T15:19:00.002+02:00

Article 84. Obligations on overtaking before initiating the maneuver.
1. Before starting an overtake that requires lateral displacement, the driver intending to overtake must so indicate with sufficient notice using the mandatory signals and to verify that free space exists in the lane intended for overtaking sufficient for the maneuver and that he does not endanger or obstruct oncoming traffic, considering their own speed and that of other users. If not, he must not overtake (LST Art 33,1).
No driver may overtake multiple vehicles if he does not have total safety, being able to return to the right hand lane if oncoming traffic should appear, without endangering any of the overtaken vehicles.
On roads with two-way traffic and three lanes separated by discontinuous longitudinal marks, overtaking may only be carried out when the central lane is unoccupied by oncoming traffic.
2. Also he must make sure that the driver of the vehicle in front in the same lane has not indicated his intention to move out; in such a case, he must respect the other driver’s priority. However, if after a sensible time the driver of the said vehicle does not exert his priority, the overtaking maneuver may be started if so indicated using the appropriate acoustic or optical signal (LST Art 33,2).
It is totally prohibited to overtake vehicles that are already overtaking another one if the driver of the third vehicle, to carry out this maneuver, has to invade the part of the road reserved for oncoming traffic.
3. Also, he must make sure that no driver who is following in the same lane has started to overtake his vehicle, and that he has sufficient space to return to his lane when after overtaking (LST Art 33,3).
4. The mandatory signals that the driver must use before starting to move out are described in Article 109.
5. The Article does not consider as overtaking that between cyclists who travel in a group (LST Art 33,4).
6. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Overtaking on roads with several lanes

2007-07-13T15:19:00.001+02:00

Article 83. Overtaking on roads with several lanes.
1. On roads that have at least two lanes reserved for traffic in the given direction, a driver who is going to overtake again may remain in the lane used for the previous overtake on condition that it is done without illegal annoyance to drivers of vehicles behind travelling faster.
2. When the density of traffic is such that vehicles occupy all lanes and can travel at a speed depending on the vehicle in front in that lane, the fact that traffic may travel faster in one lane than another is not considered overtaking. In this situation, no driver will have to change lane to overtake or to carry out any other maneuver that is not in preparation to turn right or left, to leave the road or to take a certain direction.
3. On all sections of road in which acceleration or deceleration lanes exist or lanes or parts of the road exclusively destined for certain vehicles, overtaking will not be considered to happen where traffic moves more quickly in them than in the normal lanes, or vice versa.
4. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Overtaking on the left. Exceptions

2007-07-13T15:19:00.000+02:00

Article 82. Overtaking on the left. Exceptions.
1. On all roads subject to the RGC, as a general rule, overtaking must take place on the left of the overtaken vehicle (LST Art 32,1).
2. By exception, and given sufficient space, overtaking may take place on the right though adopting the maximum precautions, when the driver of the vehicle to be overtaken is clearly indicating his intention to change direction of the left or to stop on that side, as well as, on roads with two way traffic, tram cars using the central zone (LST Art 32,2).
3. Within towns, on the roads that have at least two lanes reserved for traffic in the same direction, delimited by longitudinal marks, overtaking on the right is allowed on condition that the driver of the vehicle that does so previously checks that he can do so without danger to other users.
4. In all the cases where overtaking involves lateral displacement, the maneuver must be so indicated as described in Article 109.
5. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

REVERSING: Execution of the maneuver

2007-07-12T19:16:00.001+02:00

Article 81. Execution of the maneuver.
1. Reversing must be done slowly after having warned with the mandatory signals and having checked, if necessary by getting out or following the indications of another person that the circumstances of visibility, space and time necessary to carry out it, does not endanger other road users (LST Art 31,2).
2. Drivers intending to reverse must indicate the intention as set out in Article 109.
3. The maneuver must be carried out with maximum precaution and quickly stopped if necessary if warnings are heard or the approach of another vehicle, animal or person is indicated or as soon as safety demands,.

REVERSING: General rules

2007-07-12T19:16:00.000+02:00

Article 80. General rules.
1. It is prohibited to travel in reverse except where it is not possible to travel forwards or change direction or make a U-turn, and in the complementary maneuvers of other than demands it, and always using the absolute minimum road to do so (LST Art 31,1).
2. Reversing, as with stopping, parking or joining traffic, should not be more than 15m nor invade crossroads.
3. Reversing on autovías and autopistas is prohibited (LST Art 31,3).
4. Infractions of this Article which constitute travel against the stipulated flow are very serious offences, (LST Art 65.5.f)).

U-TURNS: Prohibitions

2007-07-12T18:33:00.005+02:00

Article 79. Prohibitions.
1. U-turns are prohibited at level crossings, in tunnels, underpasses and sections of road signalled by "Tunnel" (S-5), as well as on autopistas and autovías, except in places specifically indicated and in general all sections of the road in which the overtaking is prohibited, unless U-turns are specifically authorized (LST Art 30).
2. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

U-TURNS: Execution of the maneuver

2007-07-12T18:33:00.004+02:00

Article 78. Execution of the maneuver.
1. Drivers intending to make a U-turn must choose a suitable place to carry out the maneuver, so that it is done in the least possible time, to indicate their intention with the mandatory signals sufficiently in advance and to ensure that it does not endanger or obstruct other road users. If not possible they must refrain from the maneuver and wait until it is safe to do so. If their presense in the road while waiting to carry out the U-turn, impedes traffic behind, they must get off the road to the right hand side, if possible, until traffic conditions allow the maneuver (LST Art 29).
2. Drivers must indicate their intention to make a U-turn as set out in Article 109.
3. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Deceleration lanes

2007-07-12T18:33:00.003+02:00

Article 77. Deceleration lanes.
To leave an autopista, autovía or any other road, drivers must travel in the nearside lane in advance of the exit, and must move into the deceleration lane if it exists, as rapidly as possible.

Special cases

2007-07-12T18:33:00.002+02:00

Article 76. Special cases.
1. Exceptionally, if the dimensions of the vehicle or other circumstances do not allow a change of direction with strict observance of the arrangements in the previous Article, the driver must adopt the necessary precautions to avoid all danger when maneuvering.
2. On out of town roads, cycles and mopeds must move to the right if no left turn lane exists, off the road whenever possible, and to turn from that position.
3. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Execution of directional change maneuvers

2007-07-12T18:33:00.001+02:00

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).

CHANGING ROAD, CARRIAGEWAY AND LANE

2007-07-12T18:33:00.000+02:00

Article 74. General rules.
1. Drivers intending to turn right or left to use a different road from that on which they are travelling, or to change lane on the same road or in order to leave the road must previously so indicate and with enough warning to drivers of vehicles travelling behind and must also check that the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles allows them to carry out the maneuver without danger, refraining from doing so if these conditions are not met. They must refrain from making left turns if sufficient visibility does not exist (LST Art 28,1).
2. Maneuvers involving a sideways move, implying a lane change must respect the priority existing in the lane that is intended to occupy (LST Article 28,2).
3. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Obligation of other drivers to facilitate the maneuver

2007-07-12T16:50:00.011+02:00

Article 73. Obligation of other drivers to facilitate the maneuver.
1. Independently of the obligation of drivers joining the traffic to fulfill the prescriptions of the previous Article, other drivers will facilitate, as far as possible this maneuver, especially if dealing with a public transport vehicle joining the traffic from a signed stopping place (LST Art 27).
2. In towns, with the purpose of facilitating the progress of public transport vehicles, drivers of other vehicles must move laterally, whenever possible, or reduce their speed, taking account of the arrangements in Article 53, stopping if necessary, so that public transport vehicles can maneuver as necessary when moving off from signed stops.
3. The arrangements in the previous section does not modify the obligation of public transport vehicle drivers to take the necessary precautions to avoid risk of accidents, after having indicated their intention to move off.

Obligations of drivers who join the traffic

2007-07-12T16:50:00.010+02:00

Article 72. Obligations of drivers who join the traffic.
1. The driver of a vehicle stopped or parked on the road or proceeding from an access road, from its service areas or an adjacent property, who intends to join the traffic must previously check, including following the indications of another person if necessary, that it can be done without danger to other users, giving way to other vehicles and considering their position, direction and speed, and will indicate using the appropriate obligatory signals. If the road being joined has an acceleration lane, the driver who joins must do so by adapting their speed to the road (LST Art 26).
2. Whenever a driver joins a public road from a private access, he must previously ensure it can be done without endangering anyone and to do so at a speed that allows him to stop in the act, giving way to vehicles on the public road in both directions.
3. Drivers who join the traffic will indicate the maneuver in the form described in Article 109.
4. On roads with an acceleration lane, drivers of vehicles who intend to use it to join the road must ensure at the beginning of the lane, that they can do so without endangering other users on the road, considering their position, direction and speed, stopping if necessary. Next, they will accelerate up to a speed adapted to join the traffic at the end of the acceleration lane.
5. Joining the traffic without giving way to other vehicles will be treated as a serious offence (LST Art 65.4.c)).

special vehicles and transport

2007-07-12T16:50:00.009+02:00

Article 71. Traffic and signalling rules.
1. The rules in Annex III of this regulation apply, in addition to the general rules where applicable.
Special vehicles may only use the roads subject to the traffic legislation to travel, irrespective of the tasks for which they are destined based on their technical characteristics, except where carrying out road construction, repair or maintenance exclusively in the areas of these works or where specifically equipped to tow damaged, broken down or badly parked vehicles. Special vehicles may not transport loads, except if specifically designed to do so, for which they must have the appropriate authorization.
Drivers of special vehicles and exceptionally, others, used for road construction, repair or maintenance, are not required to observe the traffic rules, whenever they are carrying out works in the designated area, but must take the necessary precautions and ensure traffic is properly regulated.
2. Whilst working, drivers of works or service vehicles must use luminous signal V-2 referred to in Article 173.2:
a) When interrupting or obstructing traffic, to indicate their position to other users, the vehicle is specifically equipped to tow damaged, broken down or badly parked vehicles.
b) When carrying out cleaning, maintenance, signaling or road repair operations, to indicate their position to other users; if on an autopista or autovía, special vehicles must also use the signal from their entry to their arrival at the place where the works are carried out.
3. Whilst travelling, drivers of special vehicles or covered by the special transport regime must use the signal during the day as well as at night, whenever travelling on public roads at a speed not exceeding 40kph. In case of signal failure, dipped headlights and hazard lights must be used together.
4. Infractions of this article as far as the obligation to have the flashing light installed in the vehicle will be sanctioned in accordance with the arrangements in the LST Art 67,2.

Non high-priority vehicles in emergency service

2007-07-12T16:50:00.008+02:00

Article 70. Non high-priority vehicles in emergency service.
1. If, as a result of specially serious circumstances, the driver of a non high-priority vehicle is required, without being able to resort to another means, to carry out a service normally reserved to high-priority vehicles, they must ensure that other users are aware of the special situation whilst travelling by means of using the horn intermittently and using the hazard lights, if available or waving a handkerchief or similar procedure.
2. Drivers referred to above must respect the traffic rules, above all at intersections, and other users of the road will abide by the arrangements in Article 69.
3. At any time, traffic officers may demand justification of the circumstances referred to in section 1.
4. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

Behavior of other drivers with respect to high-priority vehicles

2007-07-12T16:50:00.007+02:00

Article 69. Behavior of other drivers with respect to high-priority vehicles.
As soon as they perceive the signals that indicate the approach of a high-priority vehicle, other drivers must take the necessary measures, according to the circumstances of the time and place, to facilitate the passage of the emergency services, normally moving to their right right or stopping if necessary.
When a police vehicle, marking its presence according to the arrangements in Article 68,2 is behind any other vehicle and uses in addition its flashing yellow lights, the driver in front must stop with due precaution on the right hand side, in front of the police vehicle, in a place where they do not create greater risk or annoyance to other users, and must remain in the vehicle. At all times the driver will obey the instructions of the traffic officer.

Faculties of drivers of high-priority vehicles

2007-07-12T16:50:00.006+02:00

Article 68. Faculties of drivers of high-priority vehicles.
1. Drivers of high-priority vehicles must observe the rules of this regulation, although where assured that they do not endanger any road user, they need not obey the rules of titles II, III and IV, except for orders and signals of traffic officers, which they must always obey.
Drivers of these vehicles may also exceptionally, when travelling along an autopista or autovía in an emergency and not jeopardizing the safety of any user, make U-turns, reverse, travel against the traffic flow on the hard shoulder, use the median strip or emergency crossing areas.
Traffic officers may use or put their vehicles in the part of the road that is necessary when helping other users or traffic. They will also determine in each circumstance the location of emergency service vehicles or other special services.
2. High-priority vehicles include police, fire service, civil protection and rescue, and medical assistance (public or private), in emergency service and whose drivers warn of their presence by means of flashing lights desbribed in Article 173 and sirens described in the RGV.
Exceptionally to the previous paragraph, drivers of the high-priority vehicles may use flashing lights separately without sirens where this does not involve any danger to other users.
3. Infractions of this Article are considered serious offences (LST Art 65.4.c).

High-priority vehicles

2007-07-12T16:50:00.005+02:00

Article 67. High-priority vehicles.
1. Vehicles in emergency service have priority over other vehicles and users of the road. They may travel over the speed limits and are exempt from other rules or signals in the cases and in the conditions determined in this section (LST Art 25).
2. Drivers of emergency vehicles will use sirens or flashing lights solely when travelling in an emergency and will take not to ignore the right of way at intersections or traffic lights, without first adopting extreme precautions, ensuring that there is no risk of running over pedestrians and that drivers of other vehicles have stopped or facilitate their passage.
3. Installation of flashing lights and sirens in high-priority vehicles will require authorization of the Provincial Headquarters of corresponding Traffic, in accordance with the arrangements in the RGV.