The Spanish Traffic Directorate (DGT) conducted a special five-day campaign from November 18 to 22, focusing on school buses. The operation, carried out by the Guardia Civil Traffic Division, aimed to ensure compliance with regulations governing school and minor transport.
During the inspections, 3,797 school transport vehicles were reviewed. Of these, 1,852 vehicles (48.7%) were sanctioned for failing to comply with regulations, resulting in 3,334 fines.
Administrative infractions dominate
Almost 60% of the reported infractions were related to administrative issues. Key violations included:
- 1,255 vehicles lacking the special authorisation required for school transport.
- 653 vehicles without the legally mandated unlimited liability insurance.
Safety belt usage
Inspections revealed that only 11 vehicles with installed safety belts had functional issues. These were the only instances where the belts were not being used correctly.
Driver infractions
Driver-related violations were also concerning:
- Two drivers tested positive for alcohol.
- Eighteen drivers tested positive for drugs.
- Four drivers exceeded speed limits, leading to fines.
Other common violations
The campaign uncovered several other safety and compliance issues:
- 144 vehicles had deficiencies in service and emergency doors or their operating mechanisms.
- 25 vehicles lacked up-to-date Technical Inspections (ITV).
- 144 vehicles did not display the mandatory V-10 school transport sign.
- 27 vehicles lacked the required emergency light signal device.
- 52 drivers did not have an onboard supervisor to care for minors when required.
- 85 drivers violated driving time or rest period rules.
Serious offenses
Three drivers faced legal action for endangering road safety.
The DGT’s campaign highlights significant gaps in compliance among school transport operators. These findings underscore the need for continued vigilance and enforcement to ensure the safety of children on Spain’s roads.