Speeding in Spain

The police in Spain are enforcing stricter fines on drivers who speed in Spain, find out what the new tougher regulations mean for you if you are caught breaking the speed limits. To find out more about driving in Spain take a look at our price comparison for car hire and our guide to driving in Spain.

CHANGES TO SPEED ENFORCEMENT IN SPAIN 2009

Author: Steven Bromley

With the relaxed way of life over here in Spain it is rare to be in such a hurry to reach a destination that you need to speed. An appointment at 4pm in Spain could mean anytime between 3:30 and 5pm. In my line of business snagging properties for new home purchasers on the Costa Blanca, Calida and Murcia I am always working to a deadline, but I am often left with the impression I am the only one who is! With Spanish breakfast at 10am, lunch between 2 and 5 and evening meals from 9pm, the Spanish way of life and the business schedule of northern Europe rarely match.

In a similar fashion to the UK the main culprits of speeding are the young gung-ho and the reps, but up until now the Spanish authorities have been very generous with the advanced warnings of the very few speed cameras o the motorways wit huge matrix gantries warning of the approaching camera, perhaps this is a warning as to the direction the government are taking towards the motorist; lets pray that they do not become as draconian as the UK government!

Spanish police now are taking action following unfavourable press regarding the accident statistics on Spanish roads and starting to enforce the speed limit with a little more determination. Although the limits stated below look a lot more lenient than in the UK, when enforced there is no grey area. In the UK a Police Officer will often pass on a few words of warning for small indiscretions in Spain it the same offence will almost certainly result in a fine, your car will also receive a thorough going over and your paperwork will be forensically checked and if not in order a further fine will be forthcoming.

GUARDIA Civil officers are clamping down on speeding motorists by installing cameras in unmarked cars. They have purchased around 800 Citroën C3, C4 and C5 vehicles, which house speed cameras. These are noticeable by the slightly deformed nearside rear door.

At present, speed cameras do not detect drivers until they travel at 141 km's per hour. But this is set to change with the Dirección General de Tráfico reducing this to 133 km's per hour. Whilst travelling at a speed of between 133 and 152 km's per hour does not cause points to be deducted from the motorist's license, it can attract fines ranging from 100 to 120 Euros.

But motorists who are caught driving at 153 km's per hour on a motorway, or 71 km's per hour in a built-up area, will lose points. A total of six points will be lost if drivers are found to be travelling at 199 km's per hour on the motorway, or 91 km's per hour on an urban road. Speeds that attract a point deduction can carry fines of between 150 and 600 Euros.

About the Author:

Steven J Bromley

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Speeding In Spain

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