New traffic laws coming into force this Summer

This is the rundown of the changes, which basically come down to stricter laws on drug and alcohol use, requirements for children and infants, and higher fines.

Electronic devices that detect the presence of cameras by searching for signals are prohibited, as are those that interfere with radar signals. Devices that provide information on the location of known cameras are allowed. The use of prohibited devices can get you a fine of 200€ plus 3 points taken off your licence.

The fine for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is increased to 1000€ when the offender is at double the limit or if it is a recurring offence.

Children under 135 cm tall must not use the front seat of a vehicle unless all the back seats are taken up by children also under this height or the vehicle does not have any back seats. Taxi drivers will also have to adhere to this rule, but it will be the parents, not the taxi driver that will be fined up to 200€ if they do not comply.

Safety for cyclists: Cyclists under 16 years of age much always use a helmet in urban areas. The fine goes up to 200€ to parents whose children do not adhere to this. When overtaking cyclists, drivers must go over into the next lane completely, i.e. not halfway across the line.

It has been rumoured that the speed limits on the roads will be adjusted, but for now no law has been passed on that, although the Traffic Department has made it clear that there will be changes at some point. It will probably involve increasing the limit on the motorways, and reducing the limit in urban areas.

Very interesting to note: there will now be much more communication between the traffic departments of European countries. This means that if you commit a traffic offence related to speeding, driving under the influence, using your mobile phone while driving, seat belts, while driving a car registered in another member state of the EU, you could be fined and have points taken off your licence.

And finally, they are going to crack down on vehicles with foreign licence plates that are being used in Spain by residents, or owners of commercial units. The time limit for doing this is within 90 days of the vehicle being brought to Spain. Failure to change to Spanish plates could result in hefty fines and even confiscation.