ARCHIVED - Fast route to fines in Spain: Misuse of GPS could cost you dearly
Distractions at the wheel are the main cause of fatal road traffic accidents in Spain
There’s hardly a driver out there who hasn’t used a GPS system to get around at some point, be it a built-in navigator, a portable device or one of the many apps available these days on mobile phones. But however handy these tools can be for steering through unfamiliar cities, GPS systems can end up being a danger, not only in terms of road safety but for your pocket too.
On March 23, 2022, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) introduced its reformed Traffic Law which has brought about a range of changes to how we drive in Spain. One of the most controversial measures is the ban on even just holding a mobile phone whilst driving, whether or not the motorist is using any of the functions.
You might also like: Hefty fines for driving a dirty car in Spain
This regulation also extends to navigation aids, and drivers will face a 200 euro fine and the loss of six points from their licence if they so much as touch their GPS system while the car is moving.
Reducing distractions at the wheel is one of the main objectives of the DGT with the modification of the Traffic Law; thus, GPS devices can be programmed and placed in a visible position in the vehicle prior to setting off, but they can’t be changed or altered by hand once the journey has begun. In order to alter a route, turn off the system or manipulate it in any way, drivers must pull over to a safe spot and bring their car to a complete stop.
According to the latest data, distractions whilst driving have been the top cause of fatal traffic accidents in Spain since 2016.
Click here for all your latest motoring and travel news in Spain and be sure to join our Driving in Spain Facebook group!
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox
Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)
OR
you can sign up to our FREE weekly roundup!
Read some of our recent bulletins:
Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
(List price 3 months 12 Bulletins)
Read more stories from around Spain:
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
