A preliminary bill has already been approved that amends the Consolidated Text of the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation, and Road Safety in all matters related to the points-based driver’s permit and license:
The most significant changes will be:
WHAT CHANGES WILL THERE BE REGARDING POINTS?
INCREASE POINTS:
o From 3 to 6 points will be deducted for driving while holding a cell phone in your hand
o from 3 to 4 for failing to wear a seat belt, helmet, or use a child restraint system.
RECOVER 2 POINTS from the license for completing the safe driving courses certified by the DGT.
RECOVERING THE INITIAL BALANCE OF POINTS unifies in two years the period that will elapse without committing infractions.
HOW WILL CHANGE THE ALLOWED SPEED UNTIL NOW?
SPEED LIMITS IN CITIES WILL BE CHANGED:
o 30 km/h on roads with a single lane in each direction, o 50 km/h on roads with two or more lanes in each direction, and o 20 km/h on roads with a single carriageway.
These limits will not take effect until six months after the publication of this draft in the Official State Gazette, to ensure that the public is adequately informed and that government agencies have sufficient time to update road signs.
HOW DOES USING MY SCOOTER, BIKE, OR PERSONAL MOBILITY VEHICLE AFFECT ME?
PERSONAL MOBILITY VEHICLES are defined as single- or multi-wheeled vehicles with a single seat, powered exclusively by electric motors capable of propelling the vehicle at a maximum speed between 6 and 25 km/h.
– Riding them on sidewalks and in pedestrian zones is prohibited.
– They require a registration certificate and may not be operated on intercity roads, thoroughfares, sidewalks, urban tunnels, or expressways and/or highways that run through built-up areas.
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 the traffic regulations like the rest of the vehicles and their circulation on interurban roads, crossings, as well as highways and highways that run within the town or in urban tunnels is also prohibited.
ARE THERE NEW VIOLATIONS?
SERIOUS INFRINGEMENT “carrying” radar or speedometer detection mechanisms in the vehicle, which will entail a penalty of 200 euros and the loss of 3 points.
NEW VERY SERIOUS OFFENSE Committing driving test fraud using unauthorized intercom devices. The sanction will be 500 euros and a penalty of 6 months without being able to take the exam.
OTHER REFORMS
LOWERS THE AGE REQUIREMENT for obtaining licenses to drive trucks and buses and establishes the possibility for people with musculoskeletal conditions to obtain such driver’s licenses.
Online access to the Driver Registry for passenger and freight transport companies so they can verify whether their employees’ driver’s licenses are valid.
DIANA CABALLERO AGUIRRE
CEO at Martínez Caballero Abogados
