Reform of traffic regulations, does it affect you?

In this package of measures, one of them further penalizes driving with a mobile phone in hand, going from 3 to 6 the loss of points that this sanction entails.

In this way it is specified that it is punishable with respect to the use of the mobile, which until now was not clear at all. Until now, it was established that it was forbidden to use it while driving, and it was left to the discretion of the traffic agent if it was being used in a given situation or not. Now, with this modification, it is clear that the simple fact of holding the mobile with your hand is a reason for a sanction.

On the other hand, the number of points lost for driving without a seatbelt is also increased. safety, without a helmet or without a child restraint system, in case of carrying children in the vehicle. It goes from 3 points to 4. 

From the entry into force of these modifications, carrying a radar detector in the vehicle will be considered a serious infraction, which will entail a penalty of 200 euros and the loss of 3 points.

Up to now only its use could be sanctioned. This caused many drivers who had this type of device to disconnect them before reaching a control. After this modification, traffic agents will be able to sanction even if the device is turned off, just because it is installed in the vehicle.

On conventional roads, both passenger cars and motorcycles will no longer be able to increase their speed above the established limit for overtaking. Until now it was allowed to exceed this limit by 20 km/h in case of wanting to overtake. 

This measure was already being applied in all the countries of the European Union and Spain finally incorporated it into its legislation as well. .

This package of measures opens the possibility for Spanish drivers to recover 2 points by taking safe driving courses, provided that these are approved by the DGT.

The package of measures establishes What requirements must these courses meet in order to be approved.

When driving within a municipality from now on you will have to take into account these new speed limits:

• Roads with a single platform (sidewalk and road at the same level): 20 km /h maximum.
• Roads with a single lane in each direction of movement: 30 km/h maximum.
• Roads with two or more lanes in each direction of movement: 50 km/h maximum .

These limits will not apply until six months after the publication of the modifications in the BOE, which will be made on January 2, that is, they will not come into force until July 2021.

The minimum age to drive trucks is reduced from 21 years to 18, passing the Certificate of Professional Aptitude (CAP) of 280 hours.

In the same way, the minimum age for coaches is reduced from 21 years to 18 years as well. But in this case they are only allowed to circulate without passengers and for a maximum distance of 50 km. 

Another novelty is that the driving of goods transport vans of up to 4,250 kg is allowed with the B permit. This is only allowed on vans that increase their maximum authorized mass by modifications to their propulsion system. This favors the use of alternative fuels, such as natural gas or hydrogen in this type of transport vehicle.