Yes, you can be fined for staying in the left lane in Spain – Here’s what the DGT wants you to know

If you’ve spent time driving on Spanish motorways, you’ve probably noticed a familiar scene: the right-hand lane practically empty, while the centre and left lanes flow steadily with cars – even when no one is overtaking anything.

It’s become one of the most common habits on the road, almost a new ‘normal’ way of driving. But the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) is reminding drivers that this behaviour isn’t just discouraged – it’s against the law, and it can cost you a €200 fine.

It’s not a new rule, it’s clearly written in the Reglamento General de Circulación (RGC). The driver must use the farthest-right lane on any motorway, dual carriageway, or highway with more than one lanes going in the same directions. The left- and centre-lanes are not meant for cruising. They are primarily used for overtaking. After the overtaking maneuver is complete, drivers should return to the right lanes.

But the reality of Spanish road traffic tells a very different story. Over time, many drivers have adopted the centre or left lanes as their default position – sometimes because they believe it’s safer, sometimes because they feel it keeps them moving faster, and sometimes simply out of habit. The DGT According to the report, this practice of making unnecessary lane shifts is not only wrong but it also causes a lot of conflict and danger on the roads.

Why This Rule Exists – and Why the DGT Is Pushing It Now

The logic is simple. Traffic moves more predictably when everyone stays in the right lane. Overtaking cars know what to expect. Vehicles merging are aware of the gaps. And most importantly, there are fewer abrupt manoeuvres – the sort that cause near misses, hard braking, and collisions.

DGT emphasizes that respecting lanes could prevent many of dangerous situations that drivers encounter daily. This is especially true when drivers overtake on the right. And while it may feel like a practical solution in the moment, overtaking on the right is not just frowned upon – it is illegal, and treated more seriously than simply staying in the wrong lane.

Driving continuously in the left lane without cause is punishable by a €200 fine, though it does not result in the loss of licence points. But overtaking on the right carries a €200 fine plus Loss of 4 points. The message is clear: two wrongs do not make a right – even when the driver ahead is in the wrong lane.

The Exceptions – Because yes, there are a few

DGT recognizes certain exceptions to the general rule. You may temporarily use another lane when necessary – for example, to avoid a stopped vehicle, allow someone to merge, or prepare for an exit. This is a temporary situation and not a reason to use the left lane exclusively.

There are only two legal circumstances for overtaking to the right.

• If the vehicle in front has clearly indicated that it is stopping or turning left.
• In cities, road lanes that are clearly marked for different speeds or directions.

In all other situations, including on dual carriageways and motorways, overtaking to the right is strictly prohibited.

Safety is not only about Order

This isn’t about etiquette, or even organisation. According to road safety data for 2025, leaving the road is the most dangerous type of accident, accounting 43 percent of road fatalities. Head-on collisions are second, with 23 percent. Both types of collisions are strongly linked to erratic manoeuvres and unpredictability on the road – exactly what proper lane discipline is meant to prevent.

DGT claims that if drivers returned to their right after overtaking the roads would calmer. Lane changes would be fewer and overtaking safer. In short: the rule is not about control – it’s about keeping traffic flowing in a way that reduces risk for everyone.

The message is clear at the end

It’s not necessary to overthink things:

Driving on the right-hand lane.
Overtake on the left lane.

Your car should be parked on the right if there is space.

And if you stay in the left lane without a reason – even if you’re keeping up with the traffic – don’t be surprised if one day, that habit costs you €200.