Else Beekman
Every year, thousands of road accidents happen in Spain. Many of them could be avoided, as they often result from reckless driving—mainly due to speeding or overconfidence behind the wheel. To tackle this issue, the DGT has introduced a new road marking: the continuous red line.
It’s a simple yet effective addition to the existing white line, designed to make certain restrictions even clearer.
What is the red line?
We all know the continuous white line, which bans overtaking. Now, in high-risk areas, a red line makes this restriction even clearer. The idea is simple: grab drivers’ attention and prevent risky maneuvers. According to the DGT, measures like this can cut accidents on secondary roads by up to 30%. The red line highlights sections with a history of serious crashes, warning drivers to stay in their lane.
Where can you find it?
The first continuous red line appeared in February 2024 in Andalucia, on the A-355 road between Coín and Marbella. This initiative aimed to enhance driver awareness and reduce accidents on this particularly hazardous stretch of road. Six months after its implementation, by October 2024, the measure had led to a 30% reduction in serious accidents in that section.
What happens if you ignore it?
Overtaking where a red line is painted isn’t just dangerous—it’s expensive. Drivers caught breaking the rule face a €400 fine and lose four points from their license. The authorities are serious about enforcement, hoping tough penalties will deter reckless driving.
Spain isn’t the first country to try this. Other European nations use coloured road markings to improve safety. For example, Norway uses yellow lines to separate traffic moving in opposite directions, differing from the white lines commonly used in other European nations. Research shows bright, eye-catching lines make drivers more aware and help reduce accidents.
What should drivers do?
Stay alert. If you see a red line, know that overtaking is strictly off-limits. Respect the rules, avoid fines, and help make the roads safer for everyone. As the DGT continues updating Spain’s roads, more red lines could appear. Drivers should stay informed and always follow the latest traffic regulations.
Also read: DGT introduces online driver licence verification for professional drivers