ARCHIVED - How to correctly use your car headlights during the Spanish winter
Misusing or abusing the lights can land drivers with stiff fines in Spain
The evenings have started to draw in with the arrival of winter. With shorter daylight hours and a greater chance of fog, heavy rain and even snow in some parts, it’s never been more important to ensure that the lights on your car are in proper working order.
A recent study revealed that dodgy lights are the top reason for cars failing the Vehicle Inspection Test (ITV), but using your headlamps incorrectly on Spanish roads can also result in a fine.
Generally speaking, there are four situations in which it is mandatory to drive with your low beams (dipped headlights) on: between sunset and sunrise, in tunnels, during low visibility conditions and when using a reversible lane – this is where vehicles are temporarily allowed to travel in the opposite direction to normal, usually implemented if there are roadworks or the traffic is very heavy.
Low visibility: rain, snow and fog
When it is raining in Spain, it is mandatory for motorists to use dipped headlights, no exception. The front fog lights can be used if the downpour is heavy but the back fogs should only be turned on if the rain is torrential. The same rules apply for snow.
More common in autumn and winter, fog banks can drastically reduce visibility. The low beams and front fog lights should be employed, the same as for rain and snow, but the back ones shouldn’t be used unless the fog is extremely thick, since they can be distracting to other drivers.
In the case of rain, fog and snow, the traffic authorities recommend that high beams shouldn’t be used.
What fines can drivers incur?
In Spain, there are several fines relating to the improper use of lights, including:
- Filling the tank at the petrol station with the lights on: 80 euro fine.
- Failing to use your indicators: 200 euros
- Misuse or excessive use of lights in foggy conditions: up to 200 euros.
- Flashing or abusing high beams: 80 euros.
- No light on rear licence plate: 200 euros.
Checking that all the lights on your vehicle are working correctly before setting out on a journey is one of the easiest ways to ensure a safe trip – and a fine-free one.
Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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