A draft bill has now been approved to reform the Consolidated Text of the Road Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety Act, in everything relating to the points-based driving permit and licence:
The most important changes will be:
WHAT CHANGES WILL THERE BE REGARDING POINTS?
INCREASES POINTS DEDUCTIONS:
o from 3 to 6 points deducted for driving while holding a mobile phone in your hand
o from 3 to 4 points deducted for not using a seat belt, helmet or child restraint system.
RECOVER 2 POINTS on your licence by completing safe driving courses certified by the DGT.
RECOVER THE INITIAL POINTS BALANCE the period without committing offences will be standardised at two years.
HOW WILL THE CURRENT SPEED LIMIT CHANGE?
The SPEED LIMITS IN CITIES will be amended:
o 30 km/h on roads with a single lane in each direction, o 50 km/h on roads with 2 or more lanes in each direction and o 20 km/h on roads with a single, shared carriageway platform.
These limits will not apply until six months after the publication of this draft in the Official State Gazette, so that citizens are properly informed and public administrations have sufficient time to adapt the signage.
HOW DOES THE USE OF MY SCOOTER, BIKE OR PERSONAL MOBILITY VEHICLE AFFECT ME?
PERSONAL MOBILITY VEHICLES are defined as vehicles with one or more wheels, with a single seat, propelled exclusively by electric motors that can provide the vehicle with a maximum speed between 6 and 25 km/h.
– Their circulation on pavements and in pedestrian areas is prohibited.
– They will require a circulation certificate and may not circulate on interurban roads, through roads, pavements, urban tunnels, or dual carriageways and/or motorways that run within built-up areas.
AND WHAT IF I AM A PERSON WITH REDUCED MOBILITY?
The definition of personal mobility vehicles does not apply, but you will have to comply with traffic rules like the rest of the vehicles, and their circulation is also prohibited on interurban roads, through roads, as well as motorways and dual carriageways that run within built-up areas, and in urban tunnels.
ARE THERE NEW OFFENCES?
SERIOUS OFFENCE “carrying in the vehicle” radar or speed camera detection mechanisms, which will result in a €200 fine and the loss of 3 points.
NEW VERY SERIOUS OFFENCE committing fraud in driving tests using unauthorised intercom devices. The penalty will be €500 and a 6-month ban on taking the test.
OTHER REFORMS
LOWERS THE REQUIRED AGE to be able to drive lorries and buses and establishes the possibility for people with conditions associated with the locomotor system to obtain those driving licences.
Online access to the Drivers Register for passenger and freight transport companies so that they can check whether their employees’ driving licences are valid.
DIANA CABALLERO AGUIRRE
CEO at Martínez & Caballero Abogados
