Lonely drivers beware – Spain’s visitors cops are cracking down, and you may find yourself €200 lighter when you attempt to sneak a solo experience via sure lanes!
Credit score: Edgar Conejo, Shutterstock
Drivers who love the liberty of cruising solo round Spain would possibly quickly discover their wallets taking a success – for being alone on the wheel. However as of writing this text, driving alone in most main cities remains to be authorized, so long as you keep out of particular lanes. Right here’s all the things it’s worthwhile to know concerning the indicators and the fines.
Spain’s Directorate-Normal for Visitors (DGT) despatched shockwaves via the motoring world in April, warning that driving alone may quickly be a factor of the previous in some elements of the nation.
In accordance with the DGT, the crush of vehicles choking up Spain’s greatest cities has hit a breaking level – and drastic motion is required. In plain phrases: if you wish to preserve driving into the cities, you’ll quickly want to begin buddying up.
Clogged cities and livid drivers
The DGT’s message couldn’t have been clearer: ‘Cities are saturated. They will’t take any extra vehicles.’
Hundreds of vehicles have already been booted out of metropolis centres because of low-emission zones and visitors restrictions.
Now, with most drivers nonetheless travelling solo, Spain’s visitors chiefs are eyeing up more durable measures to pressure carpooling.
Madrid already main the cost
Suppose it’s only a future risk? Suppose once more. In Madrid, it’s already a actuality.
The A-6 motorway, nicknamed the Madrid-La Coruña highway, boasts a VAO lane (that’s “vehículos de alta ocupación” or “excessive occupancy autos”).
Right here, it’s easy: no carpool, no passage. Solely vehicles with no less than two folks can cruise via – except you’re in an electrical automobile, a bus, or one other exempt car.
Get caught driving solo within the VAO lane and also you’ll be slammed with a €200 advantageous – as a result of it’s thought of a “severe offence” beneath Spanish visitors legislation.
Mannequins, dummies… and even inflatable dolls
After all, the place there are guidelines, there are cheeky makes an attempt to bend them.
Police have already caught artful drivers making an attempt to cheat the system by strapping mannequins, dummies, and even inflateable latex dolls into the passenger seat to make it seem like they weren’t alone. Spoiler alert: it didn’t finish properly. Fines for making an attempt this stunt are even harsher – and officers have turn into skilled at recognizing your faux “passengers.”
Because the DGT put it in April, solo drivers should “get used to the concept that, sooner or later, driving alone will now not be an choice”
Methods to recognise the signal
Credit score: DGT Spain.
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Carril VAO (Vehículos de Alta Ocupación) = Excessive-Occupancy Automobile lane (HOV lane).
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These lanes are reserved for autos carrying no less than two folks (generally extra, relying on the signal).
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The official highway signal is often:
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A white diamond image (◇) on a blue background.
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Typically accompanied by textual content like “VAO mínimo 2 personas” (HOV lane, minimal 2 folks).
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On Spanish motorways just like the A-6 (Madrid–La Coruña) and C-58 (Barcelona), these VAO lanes are already working.
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Solo drivers who use a VAO lane illegally are fined €200, as a result of it’s categorized as a severe visitors offence.
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Electrical vehicles, hybrid vehicles, bikes, buses, and vehicles carrying folks with diminished mobility are sometimes allowed exceptions — relying on native guidelines.
What it means for you
If you happen to’re dwelling in Spain or simply right here for a cheeky summer season getaway, it pays to examine earlier than you drive into any massive metropolis. Particular lanes and restrictions may catch you out – and destroy your vacation fund quicker than you possibly can say “sangría.”
High tip:
- If you happen to’re driving into Madrid, Barcelona, or another main metropolis, examine whether or not high-occupancy lanes are lively.
- Don’t even suppose about utilizing a dummy – Spanish police are watching, they usually’re not within the temper for jokes.
As all the time, drive safely, and keep tuned to the Euro Weekly Information.
Have your say! What do you consider the DGT’s statements about phasing out solo drivers in Spain? Is it factor long run, or is it simply punishing folks making an attempt to get to work and go about their regular lives?
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