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A Guardia Civil traffic official raises a flag in yellow to warn motorists of dangers ahead on a Spanish street.
Credit X- Guardia Civil
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If you’ve ever cruised down a Spanish highway and noticed a Guardia Civil officer holding up a bright yellow flag, you might have had the same thought as most: ‘Is that meant for me?’ You are not alone. Many locals don’t know either.
The yellow flag is one of the best-kept secrets of Spanish road safety.
What to Do When You See A Yellow Flag In Spain
The yellow flag is a simple early warning system. It’s a way for the Guardia Civil to say, “Pay attention, there is something that you should be aware of!” This could be anything, from a sudden accident to a traffic jam. What is the most important thing to keep in mind? Drive with caution, keeping your foot on the brake and your eyes peeled.
Not just yellow—Flags come in all colours
Yellow flags are the most common, but they’re not the only ones. If you see a green flag, that’s your all-clear—the road’s open and you’re free to carry on as usual. See a red-flag? It’s time to stop. You’ll have to wait if you are not being escorted.
It’s similar to a live-action system of traffic lights, but has more character.
Hand Gestures – The Roadside Charades
Guardia Civil is not just about flags. If you see an officer making gestures—don’t panic, they’re not trying to direct an orchestra. What do they usually mean?
- Right there, you can stop.
- Slow down!
- When you have your arms pointing to the side, it is time to move onto another lane.
- You are being told to pull over by a flashing light.
It can sometimes feel like you’re playing a game of “charades”, especially if it has been a while since you took your driving test. Takeaway: Pay attention to what an officer says and follow his instructions.
The majority of drivers in Spain don’t understand the yellow Flag rule
Even many Spanish drivers confess to forgetting what the flags represent. The information is buried deep in the driver’s manual but who has time to memorize all of that once they get their license? That’s why, especially in the summer with all the holiday traffic, the Guardia Civil has been trying to spread the word—sometimes with a bit of humour—on their social media.
It does make a difference. You can avoid fines, delays, and even accidents by knowing these signals.
Yellow flags on Spanish Roads: What to do?
Don’t ignore a yellow flag that’s flying from a Guardia Civil motorcycle the next time you’re in Spain. It’s a good reminder to be alert and on your guard. Even though there aren’t rules written in stone at every corner, it’s a way to keep Spanish roads safe.
Now you can share the secret with others. Have a safe trip!
