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End-of-August “Operación Retorno”: the Guardia Civil boosts roadside checks with speed cameras and remote tachograph control. Drivers should travel sober (0%), keep their paperwork and ITV up-to-date and plan routes in order to avoid fines and traffic jams.
Credit : Ivanb.photo, Shutterstock
Spain’s End-of-August Getaway is in reverse. The Guardia Civil warns drivers to be cautious as the beaches begin to empty and the routines return.
In a social media video, police officers said they were increasing patrols in order to maintain traffic and punish risky behavior. Translated: If you’re driving in the next week, make sure to plan ahead, drive cleanly and be prepared for enforcement.
Checking the motorways in Spain at the end of August
Guardia Civil has been out in force to deal with the busy week on the tarmac. Patrols will be backed by a tech stack that spots trouble early – and offenders faster. You can expect to see fixed and mobile cameras that detect speed, automatic number plate recognition and remote readers for tachographs on lorries and buses without having to stop them. Also, there are sensors that detect tampered with tachographs. Kits to sample emissions and weigh heavy vehicles in motion as well as tachographs on wheels. All this information is fed into the back-office system that informs officers of where problems are developing.
The message is clear: the cameras will not let you get away with cutting corners.
Spain road trip checklist – car checks, 0.0 % alcohol, route plan
You don’t need a pit crew – just a bit of common sense.
Begin with your car. Ensure your ITV and paperwork are up-to-date, as well as the basic items: tyres brakes fluids lights wipers. Five minutes on your driveway is better than two hours waiting for a tow.
Next, the driver. The safest alcohol reading behind the wheel is 0.0 – and no drugs, full stop. Any other reading could result in points, fines or worse. Take breaks and avoid using your phone. Blue lights cannot wait for messages.
The journey is finally over. Check the traffic forecast and DGT maps before leaving. Avoid the worst traffic, save on fuel and keep tempers at bay by moving your departure an hour. Plan to stop for fuel, bring snacks and water, and keep in mind that children and pets will feel the heat more than you.
Get home safely (and without fines)
Cruise control is your friend, and tailgating your enemy. Keep roof boxes and bike racks secure, or take them off if they’re empty – you’ll feel it at the pump. When you’re stuck in traffic, give yourself plenty of room, don’t weave and follow the emergency corridor rule to allow ambulances to pass. Also, be aware of local fiestas that may occur near resorts and towns. Saint’s days can make a fast highway into a car park.
It doesn’t need to be a drag to return in late August. Roadworthy car, sober driver, smart timing – and a calm right foot – will get you home without points, penalties or frayed nerves. Guardia Civil is watching, so don’t give them anything to look at.
