Changes to Spanish Traffic Laws – January 2016

Whilst renewing many of the older traffic laws in order to adapt to the modern world, Spain is also undergoing changes to legislation to meet the requirements of the European Union and help create a standardised road network across the continent.

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These changes are constantly being developed and adapted and, although many of them are aimed at creating safer roads, some of them are questionable, although are to become mandatory in the New Year along with others.

One of the changed that is causing most concern is that of pillion passengers on mopeds. From January, moped riders who qualify for the AM licence for mopeds are permitted to carry passengers, so long as the vehicle is adapted thereof. This new rule is regardless of the age of the rider. Prior to this change, in Spain children under 18 were not permitted to carry passengers.

The BTP category will be removed from licences and is absorbed within other categories, so there is no longer a special requirement for drivers of emergency vehicles, taxis or school bus, other than the standard requirements.

So called “Mega-Trucks” up to 60 tonnes in weight and 25.25 metres in length are now permitted on the roads of Spain. This authorises trucks with more than six axles to travel through the road network, although special authority must be obtained so that the impact on road safety can be assessed. The idea is reducing transportation costs and, subsequently, passing savings onto consumers.

Sufferers of sleep apnea will no longer be automatically banned from driving, so long as the medical condition is certifiably under control by a medical professional.

In the event of death from a road traffic incident, the costs associated with medical examinations and autopsies will be covered by the government, which is hoped to provide better investigate resources in the event of a major incident.

There are many other laws which are set to change in Spain, many of which are detailed in the eBook, The New Rules of the Road, available from the website, n332.es/ebook.