They seem absolutely bonkers to me but here goes.
The general speed limit on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) has been reduced to 30kph - that's 18mph, I can cycle faster!
Here's the full story translated below - or am I being wound up ?
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“From May 11th 2021, roads in Spain with one lane in each direction will go from having a general speed limit of 50km/hour to a maximum of 30km/h.
Single lane roads with one-way traffic where the pavement is raised above the road will also have a new speed limit of 30km/h.
On single one-way lanes and double lane roads with two-way traffic where the pavement and the road are at the same level, the speed limit will be reduced even further, down to 20km/h.
Roads with two lanes or more of traffic in each direction (minimum four total) will keep the speed limit of 50km/h (except for vehicles carrying dangerous goods, for which the limit is 40km/h).
Spain’s Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlaska stressed back in November that these new speed limits won’t apply to main roads in Spain’s big cities (for example, Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana).
As a relevant sidenote, vehicles will also no longer be able to surpass the speed limit at all when overtaking on secondary roads in Spain, whereas before it was allowed by up to 20km/h when overtaking.
What roads will the new speed limits apply to?
It will apply tovías urbanas, which can be translated as urban roads in English, but really the terminology refers to “any roads that make up the internal communications network of a settlement, as long as they are not through roads (travesías) or are part of an arterial network”, according to Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).
In essence, regardless of whether it’s a road inside a village in the countryside or a road inside a big city where the limit is currently 50km/h, the new speed limits apply.
The vast majority of the approximately 165,600 kilometres of tarmac that form part of Spain’s road network are vías urbanas, whereas travesías such as motorways and dual carriageways make up roughly only 17,228km.
So undoubtedly this is a decision which will have a considerable impact on daily driving for most conductores (drivers) in the country.”
From:
https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/traficoa30 What are the NEW RULES FOR OVERTAKING CYCLISTS?
“Here's what you need to know and how to avoid fines of up to €200 for not overtaking properly.
If a driver in Spain wants to overtake a cyclist, they will now have to leave a space of 1.5 metres between their vehicle and the cyclist as well as reduce their speed by 20km/h.
For example, anyone wanting to overtake a cyclist on a 90km/h road will have to reduce their speed to 70km/h as well as abide by the pre-existing safety distance.
This is the latest addition to Spain’s newest driving law changes for 2021, a set of measures relating primarily to speed limits, penalties and e-scooters.
The head of Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic Pere Navarro justified the move by saying that when it comes to overtaking, many drivers tend to speed up rather than slow down, which increases the risk for cyclists.
In 2020, 36 cyclists lost their lives in Spain as a result of this, despite the mobility restrictions seen at the start of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The measure affects all drivers, including motorcyclists.
Failure to reduce one’s speed or leave a 1.5 metre separation will result in fines of up to €200 and the loss of three points off of the offender’s driving licence.
The possibility of driving into the next lane to safely overtake cyclists (even if there’s a solid line and as long as there’s not oncoming traffic) remains, as does the ban on overtaking all vehicles if there are cyclists approaching in the opposite direction.
It’s worth noting as well that, as the amended rulebook states, vehicles won’t be able to surpass the speed limit at all when overtaking on secondary roads anymore either, whereas before it was allowed by up to 20km/h when overtaking.”
https://www.thelocal.es/20210128/driving-in-spain-what-are-the-new-rules-for-overtaking-cyclists/ Warning Device You Will Have To Carry In Your Car In Spain
“All drivers in Spain need to carry high visibility jackets, a spare pair of glasses (if you normally wear them), and a warning triangle, regardless of whether they are taking a long or a short journey.
However, the red warning triangle is now being replaced: it is being phased out and instead drivers will be required to carry emergency lights in their car.
A Series of New Road Rules
The Spanish authorities have introduced a series of new road rules, which were updated from the 1st January 2021. The vast majority of these rules were related to speed limits, penalty charges, and the use of e-scooters on the road. However, one other change that is much more wide-reaching, and will have an impact on all drivers in Spain, is the introduction of a new device that Spanish drivers are now asked to carry in lieu of the traditional red warning triangle.
This device is known as the “luz de emergencia V-16”. It is a pocket-sized light which is small enough to fit inside the glove box of any car. When your vehicle is involved in an accident or emergency that means that it has to be brought to a stop, you simply reach into your glove box and pop the light on the roof of your car. This will show other drivers instantly and easily that your car is stationary, but the driver of the vehicle affected won’t need to get out of their car to put their warning triangle in place, enabling them to stay safe in their vehicle. Road experts believe that these lights are much safer than warning triangles because they keep road users in their cars: in 2020, twenty people lost their lives on Spanish roads whilst they were placing their emergency triangle in the road following a break down or accident.
Do You Need to Buy a Warning Light Now?
If you already have a warning triangle in your car, then you don’t need to rush out and buy a V-16 emergency light now. From the 1st January 2021, the law dictates that motorists must carry either a warning triangle or a V-16 emergency light. However the plan is for triangles to be phased out over the coming years, with battery powered emergency lights being used universally by 2024. If you don’t currently own a warning triangle or if your warning triangle needs to be replaced, therefore, it makes sense to invest in a V016 emergency light now.
What is a V-16 Emergency Light and How Does it Work?
A V-16 emergency light is a siren that emits a yellow toned LED light in short bursts (flashing on and off) from the moment it is turned on. These lights are bright enough to be seen from up to one kilometre away, if the sky is clear. The light has a strong magnet on the bottom,enabling it to stick easily and simply to the roof of your car, without risking any damage to your paint work.
The light also serves dual purpose, because it can be used as a torch as well. You can turn your emergency light onto ‘continual light mode’ and use it if you need to change your tyre or check your car’s engine at night. Because it is so easy to use, and serves the same purpose as a warning triangle, one you have invested in a V16-Emegency light, you will no longer have to carry a warning triangle in your car.
Buying Your V-16 Emergency Light
At this stage, there is only one place that you can buy a V-16 Emergency light in Spain: it is sold online by a company called Help Flash for around €24. At this stage, this is the only company in the country that has a patent to make and sell this kind of siren, but as the demand for them increases in the upcoming months and years, it is expected that other providers of the light will come on board.
Not having a warning triangles (or now an emergency light) in your vehicle when driving in Spain can result in fines of up to €200, so it’s important to ensure that you have your car kit in place before you get behind the wheel.”
From:
https://rightcasa.com/warning-device-you-will-have-to-carry-in-your-car-in-spain/ CAN I AFFORD IT in a 30 km/h LIMIT?
Roads with one lane in each direction previously 50km/h
31-50 km/h 100 €
51-60km/h 300 € -2 Points
61-70 km/h 400 € -4 Points
71-80 km/h 500 € -6 Points
50+ km/h 600 € -6 Points
60+ km/h in urban areas 3-6 Months Prison +
OR
30-90 Days Community Service + 1-4 Years Driving Ban - Vehicles & Mopeds
