New driving laws shock: is it legal to drive alone? CSN News

Drivers who love the freedom of cruising solo around Spain might soon find their wallets taking a hit – for being alone at the wheel. As I write this article, driving solo in most large cities is still legal as long as the driver does not enter special lanes. You can learn all you need about signs and fines. 

In April, the Directorate-General for Traffic in Spain (DGT), sent shockwaves throughout the motoring community by warning that driving alone in certain parts of Spain could be soon a thing in the past.

According to the DGT, the crush of cars choking up Spain’s biggest cities has hit a breaking point – and drastic action is needed. If you want to continue driving into cities, you will soon have to stop. Budding up.

Clogged cities, furious drivers

The DGT’s message couldn’t have been clearer: ‘The cities are saturated. The cities are saturated.

Thanks to traffic restrictions and low-emission zones, thousands of cars have been kicked out of the city centre.

Spain’s traffic authorities are considering tougher measures for forcing carpooling.

Madrid has already taken the lead

Do you think it is a threat for the future? Do not believe it. It’s a reality in Madrid.

The A-6 motorway, nicknamed the Madrid-La Coruña road, boasts a VAO Lane (that’s “vehículos de alta ocupación” or “high occupancy vehicles”).

Here, it’s simple: no carpool, no passage. Only cars with at least two people can cruise through – unless you’re in an electric car, a bus, or another exempt vehicle.

Get caught riding solo in the VAO lane and you’ll be slammed with a €200 fine – because it’s considered a “serious offence” under Spanish traffic law.

Mannequins, dummies… and even inflatable dolls

Where there are rules there will always be cheeky attempts at bending them.

The police have already caught some clever drivers who are trying to Hack the system By strapping mannequins and dummies into the back seat, they could make it appear that they weren’t driving alone. Spoiler alert, it did not end well. Fines for trying this stunt are even harsher – and officers have become expert at spotting your fake “passengers.”

In April, the DGT said that “driving alone is no longer an option in the near future”.

What is the sign?

• Carril VAO (Vehículos de Alta Ocupación) = High-Occupancy vehicle lane.

• This lane is reserved for vehicles that carry passengers. At least two people The sign can be more than one.

• You can also find out more about the following: official road sign It is common to say:

  • You can also find out more about the A-Team here. white diamond symbol (◇) On a Blue Background.

  • Sometimes accompanied by text such as “VAO mínimo 2 personas” (HOV lane, minimum 2 people).

• Spanish autoroutes like the A-6 (Madrid–La Coruña) and C-58 The VAO lanes have already been operationalized in Barcelona.

• Solo drivers who use a VAO lane illegally are fined €200It’s classified as a Serious traffic offense.

• Electric cars, Hybrid cars, Motorcycles, Buses, and cars carrying people with reduced mobility are often allowed exceptions — depending on local rules.

What does it mean to you?

It pays to do some research before driving into a big city, whether you live in Spain or are just visiting for the summer. Special lanes and restrictions could catch you out – and ruin your holiday fund faster than you can say “sangría.”

Top tip:

• If you are driving to Madrid, Barcelona, or another major city, make sure that high occupancy lanes are in place.
• Don’t even Think about it about using a dummy – Spanish police are watching, and they’re not in the mood for jokes.

Let us know what you think! What do YOU think about the DGT’s statement regarding the phasing-out of solo drivers in Spain. Is this a long-term good thing, or are people just punished for trying to go to work and do their daily routine?

Comment below.

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