British tourists driving in Spain need to heed a new road rule involving a red line that could result in hefty fines for violators. The Spanish Directorate General for Traffic (DGT) has introduced a continuous red line on roads to enhance safety and reduce accidents in high-risk areas.
The red line, in addition to the traditional white line, serves as a visual cue to drivers that overtaking is strictly prohibited in certain sections of the road. This bold new marking aims to grab drivers’ attention and reinforce the ban on passing vehicles in critical areas where accidents often occur.
The decision to implement the red line follows a comprehensive analysis of accident data on conventional roads in Spain, which have seen a high number of serious incidents. The Majorca Daily Bulletin reports that the new marking is part of a pilot project currently underway in various locations across the country, selected based on studies of driver behavior and accident patterns.
One such location where the red line has been introduced is the A-355 road near Coin, Malaga, close to Marbella. This road, known ominously as the “highway of death”, has witnessed a troubling number of fatalities in recent years, despite previous safety improvements.
Originally designed for 7,000 vehicles daily, the A-355 now sees nearly triple that amount of traffic, including a significant number of heavy goods vehicles. The introduction of the red line on this treacherous stretch of road aims to curb dangerous overtaking maneuvers and enhance overall road safety.
### British Tourists Beware: New Road Rule in Spain
In the UK, the red line in Spain is equivalent to a double continuous white line, indicating no overtaking is allowed, especially on roads with blind bends or hills where passing could be risky. Rule 128 of the Highway Code outlines the protocol for overtaking on roads with continuous lines, emphasizing the importance of safety and adherence to traffic regulations.
The Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) emphasizes that violating the overtaking ban, whether indicated by a white line or a red line, can result in fines of up to €400 (£340) and the deduction of four points from a driver’s license. This penalty is part of the General Traffic Regulations and applies to both the white and red lines.
The introduction of the red line forms part of a broader strategy to improve road safety in Spain, which includes the installation of new section radars, intensified awareness campaigns, and increased police presence on secondary roads. These measures aim to reduce accidents, save lives, and create a safer driving environment for locals and tourists alike.
This new road rule is a crucial development for British visitors driving in Spain, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local traffic laws and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe on the roads of Spain.
