Road rage: costly fine for arguing while driving in Spain
Having a fight or even showing affection while behind the wheel is considered a distraction in Spain
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) in Spain has a long handbook of the reasons motorists can be fined, from throwing objects out of a car window to driving without a shirt on. But since the new Traffic Law came into force in March 2022, the authorities are taking a particularly hard line on anything that can cause a distraction, and they’ve come up with one or two unusual ones.
Probably the most publicised infraction is driving while using a mobile phone, a practice which has been proven time and again to take attention from the road and has contributed hugely to the number of annual traffic accidents in Spain. For this very reason, just holding a phone while the car is in motion will now result in losing six points from your driving licence.
Anyone who’s ever gotten into a bit of a barney behind the wheel won’t be able to deny that it can take your mind off the task in hand, and the DGT has become wise to this fact also. Whether you’re arguing about which direction to take or trying to get the kids to pipe down, if Traffic officers see you without your hands on the wheel or feel your full attention isn’t on the road, they can and will fine you.
Likewise, it’s best to save the displays of affection until you get home as leaning over to your passenger for a kiss or a cuddle is also seen as a distraction.
Breaking these rules will land you with a fine of between 100 and 600 euros and can be raised as high as 500, with the removal of 6 licence points, if officers believe the behaviour constitutes reckless driving.
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Image: Pixabay
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