The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has issued guidance on the use of indicators while driving in Spain
The DGT also warns that misuse can lead to a hefty fine. This came after Spain’s Observatory of Behaviour on Motorways released new data showing that 74% of drivers do not indicate before overtaking another vehicle, and very few do so when changing lanes.
The report also includes advice on overtaking, stating: “After checking the rear-view mirror to make sure it is safe to pull out, drivers should start to indicate before they move and keep the indicator on until they have completed the manoeuvre and moved back into their lane”.
The organisation reports that 66% of motorists do not know how to use a roundabout correctly, and are not sure when to indicate on roundabouts. The DGT confirmed that it is not necessary to indicate when approaching or driving around a roundabout, however, it is essential to indicate when changing lanes or leaving the roundabout, to warn other drivers of your intentions
When approaching a traffic jam, many drivers instantly put their hazard warning lights on. However, the DGT does not recommend this. Instead, if a driver is about to brake sharply, it advises repeatedly pressing the brake instead to warn those behind.
Fines
In the type of situation above, the rules say that: “a driver must warn others via optic signals if they are going to make any manoeuvre which involves moving sidewards or backwards, or if they intend to stop their vehicle or slow it down rapidly”. Failure to give any sort of warning in this situation can result in a 200 euro fine.
Hazard warning lights are not an excuse to park illegally!
When parking a vehicle, the correct way of warning other drivers is to put on the indicator, on the side where you are planning to park. Many drivers seem to think they can double-park if they leave their hazard warning lights on, but this is actually against the law. This type of activity is very common in Spain and the Police do issue fines regularly for this infringement.
Double parking is not permitted unless the vehicle is stationary for less than 2 minutes, the driver does not get out, and the vehicle must not interfere with traffic flow or put other road users at risk.
Under those exceptional circumstances hazard warning lights must be used, otherwise there is a 100 euro fine for double parking whether your warning lights are on or not.
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