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21-03-2022, 05:47 PM
New Traffic Laws come into effect today 21/03/22 article from Noticias Fuerteventura.com -
The changes of the Traffic Law, which modify the loss of points of some of the most common infractions among drivers and that introduce some new sanctions, will be effective from this Monday, March 21. From the use of electronic devices at the wheel to the protection of cyclists or fraud in driving license exams, there are several modifications that harden drivers who violate road safety regulations.
Distractions at the wheel, one of the main causes of traffic accidents and usually caused by the use of electronic devices, are one of the points on which the focus has been placed. Thus, using, manipulating or even just holding in the hand even if the mobile phone is not being used while driving will mean the loss of 6 points on the card instead of 3 points. The fine will remain 200 euros.
From this Thursday, 4 points of the card will be lost instead of 3 for the incorrect use (or not even use it) of the seat belt, child restraint systems or helmet. It is estimated that one in four deaths in accidents did not use these safety systems.
In addition, underage drivers driving any vehicle (including VMP) may not drive with an alcohol rate above zero, both in blood and in exhaled air. Driving under the influence of alcohol is still considered a serious infraction punishable by a fine of 500 euros and becomes more restrictive for drivers under 18 years of age.
In the event that targets are thrown on the road or its surroundings that may cause accidents or fires, the penalty will be 6 points of the card and 500 euros of economic fine, since it happens to be considered very serious instead of serious.
More safety for cyclists
The safety of cyclists is increased, making it mandatory, on roads with more than one lane in each direction, to completely change lanes when proceeding to overtake cyclists or mopeds. In addition, the points that will be lost if overtaking endangers or hinders cyclists without leaving the mandatory minimum separation of one and a half meters is increased from 4 to 6. In this sense, it is forbidden from now on to stop or park on bike lanes or on cycling routes.
On the other hand, motorcyclists are authorized to use certified or approved wireless devices, with Bluetooth connection, for navigation and communication purposes as long as they do not affect safety, the law specifies. They must be placed on the helmet and have been a measure very demanded by the associations of the motorcycle sector.
Goodbye to the margin to overtake
One of the most controversial changes of this law has been the elimination of the margin in which the maximum speed could be exceeded on conventional roads to overtake other vehicles, which was 20 kilometers per hour. From the Government allege that 2 out of 3 fatal accidents occur on conventional roads and in the last year with consolidated data 239 victims died in a frontal collision.
However, many groups of drivers have criticized this measure since, from now on, overtaking will be much slower and, as they conclude, more dangerous.
New sanctions and other developments
In addition to the increase in the loss of points, new sanctions with their corresponding fines have been included in the package of measures. For example, not respecting the traffic restrictions derived from the application of the protocols in the face of pollution episodes and low emission zones will be punishable by a fine of 200 euros.
Fraud is also introduced in driving tests as a very serious infraction sanctioned with 500 euros. Specifically, the use of intercom devices not authorized by regulation in the tests for obtaining and recovering driving licenses or licenses is contemplated. The applicant may not take the tests to obtain the permit again within 6 months.
Finally, from 6 July this year, all road passenger drivers whose vehicles have an interface for the installation of anti-start breathalyzers will be obliged to use these devices.
Points recovery
There are also changes that affect the recovery of card points. The period that must be maintained without committing infractions to return to have the total balance of points on the card becomes 2 years for all drivers, while until now the period depended on the severity of the infractions.
In addition, 2 points of the license can be recovered for the realization of safe and efficient driving courses. Through a ministerial order, the necessary requirements and the conditions that must be met will be developed.
The changes of the Traffic Law, which modify the loss of points of some of the most common infractions among drivers and that introduce some new sanctions, will be effective from this Monday, March 21. From the use of electronic devices at the wheel to the protection of cyclists or fraud in driving license exams, there are several modifications that harden drivers who violate road safety regulations.
Distractions at the wheel, one of the main causes of traffic accidents and usually caused by the use of electronic devices, are one of the points on which the focus has been placed. Thus, using, manipulating or even just holding in the hand even if the mobile phone is not being used while driving will mean the loss of 6 points on the card instead of 3 points. The fine will remain 200 euros.
From this Thursday, 4 points of the card will be lost instead of 3 for the incorrect use (or not even use it) of the seat belt, child restraint systems or helmet. It is estimated that one in four deaths in accidents did not use these safety systems.
In addition, underage drivers driving any vehicle (including VMP) may not drive with an alcohol rate above zero, both in blood and in exhaled air. Driving under the influence of alcohol is still considered a serious infraction punishable by a fine of 500 euros and becomes more restrictive for drivers under 18 years of age.
In the event that targets are thrown on the road or its surroundings that may cause accidents or fires, the penalty will be 6 points of the card and 500 euros of economic fine, since it happens to be considered very serious instead of serious.
More safety for cyclists
The safety of cyclists is increased, making it mandatory, on roads with more than one lane in each direction, to completely change lanes when proceeding to overtake cyclists or mopeds. In addition, the points that will be lost if overtaking endangers or hinders cyclists without leaving the mandatory minimum separation of one and a half meters is increased from 4 to 6. In this sense, it is forbidden from now on to stop or park on bike lanes or on cycling routes.
On the other hand, motorcyclists are authorized to use certified or approved wireless devices, with Bluetooth connection, for navigation and communication purposes as long as they do not affect safety, the law specifies. They must be placed on the helmet and have been a measure very demanded by the associations of the motorcycle sector.
Goodbye to the margin to overtake
One of the most controversial changes of this law has been the elimination of the margin in which the maximum speed could be exceeded on conventional roads to overtake other vehicles, which was 20 kilometers per hour. From the Government allege that 2 out of 3 fatal accidents occur on conventional roads and in the last year with consolidated data 239 victims died in a frontal collision.
However, many groups of drivers have criticized this measure since, from now on, overtaking will be much slower and, as they conclude, more dangerous.
New sanctions and other developments
In addition to the increase in the loss of points, new sanctions with their corresponding fines have been included in the package of measures. For example, not respecting the traffic restrictions derived from the application of the protocols in the face of pollution episodes and low emission zones will be punishable by a fine of 200 euros.
Fraud is also introduced in driving tests as a very serious infraction sanctioned with 500 euros. Specifically, the use of intercom devices not authorized by regulation in the tests for obtaining and recovering driving licenses or licenses is contemplated. The applicant may not take the tests to obtain the permit again within 6 months.
Finally, from 6 July this year, all road passenger drivers whose vehicles have an interface for the installation of anti-start breathalyzers will be obliged to use these devices.
Points recovery
There are also changes that affect the recovery of card points. The period that must be maintained without committing infractions to return to have the total balance of points on the card becomes 2 years for all drivers, while until now the period depended on the severity of the infractions.
In addition, 2 points of the license can be recovered for the realization of safe and efficient driving courses. Through a ministerial order, the necessary requirements and the conditions that must be met will be developed.