Speeding, being under the influence of alcohol or driving without a seatbelt… we all know it’s illegal and punishable. To drive safely in Spain, it is useful to know the rules of the road. However, some violations of the traffic rules are surprising!
Even casually leaning your elbow out of the window can result in a fine! The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) has compiled a list of the most curious breaches of the highway code. These may seem silly traffic violations at first glance, but can lead to hefty fines and even loss of driving licence points. Take advantage of the tips below!
Too many people
It is not allowed to transport more people in the car than the manufacturer indicates. If you ignore this rule, you can get a fine of €80. For those who take more than 50% of the permitted number of seats – without driver – the consequences are more serious. This offence is considered very serious, resulting in a fine of €500, revocation of your driving licence for three months, or a four-point deduction from your driving licence.
Reckless braking
This carries a fine of €500 and the deduction of six points.
Throwing objects on or near the road
You risk a fine of €500 and six points on your driving licence. Your licence may be revoked for up to three months if what you throw is likely to cause a fire or accident or to obstruct traffic.
Overtaking cyclists, endangering them or impeding their progress
This is considered a serious offence punishable by €200 and the withdrawal of six points from your driving licence. You also risk losing your driving licence for up to three months.
Not respecting the safety distance
The fine is €200, and even €500 if it is considered reckless driving, and then it also costs you 6 points.
Eating, putting on make-up, reading the newspaper or using a mobile phone
This is punishable by a fine of €200 and the deduction of two points from your driving licence. The fine is also for using your mobile phone while driving, which can also lead to the deduction of six points.
Leaning out of the window
Leaning out of the window, even with just your elbow or hand, can result in an €80 fine.
Driving with bare feet, flip-flops, heels or no shirt on
Be careful here this summer, each of these actions can result in a fine of up to 200 euros.
Playing loud music in front of a hospital or in “silent areas”.
Violation of this rule is punishable by a fine of €100, which can rise to €3,000 depending on the noise level. Each municipality determines the decibel limit.
Honking when not necessary
The fine in this case is €80.
It is also better to avoid..
The RACE also reminds you that officers can fine you if you put advertisements, decorations or drawings on your car (€80), you don’t let the DGT know you’ve moved (€80), you argue or show “affection” to your partner in the car (this can cost anywhere between €100 and €600, although the amount can vary depending on the municipality), drive or park your car on the pavement (€200), skid your car (€100), wash your car or carry out maintenance on the street (from €30 to €3,000 or driving with a ‘for sale’ sign in the window (up to €200). In the latter case, this is justified because you would be misusing the public highway and the sign could make it difficult for you to see behind the wheel.
Also read: Some tips to avoid a fine in Spain – in or out of the car
