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Motorways and dual carriageways are often convenient for allowing motorists to travel from point A to point B a lot quicker in Spain, given that these roads generally have higher speed limits than regional thoroughfares. But the more speed, the more potential for accidents, and so the Traffic authorities have implemented a series of stringent regulations to ensure safety.

 

Although these larger roads have several lanes and so traffic is usually fluid, traffic jams can still be a frequent occurrence on motorways and dual carriageways, and this situation can be exacerbated by motorists driving in the wrong lanes.

 

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Although it may not be obvious, driving in the left lane is not always allowed, since its primary function is to lighten traffic. The three main occasions when travelling in the ‘fast’ lane is permitted are: overtaking a slower vehicle; allowing a car to move in from a right-hand-side slip road or; taking a fork or detour on the left.

 

Continuously driving in the left lane of a motorway or dual carriageway is considered a traffic obstruction and the DGT can fine motorists 200 euros for this infraction.

 

Some other very common violations on these high-capacity roads are speeding, which can be classified as a serious crime against road safety, not respecting safety distances and stopping on the hard shoulder (only allowed if there has been a breakdown), which is considered reckless driving and carries a fine of up to 500 euros.

 

 

Image: DGT