Important changes in traffic in Spain: What drivers and motorcyclists need to know
Since the beginning of 2024, many significant changes in the rules of the road have come into force in Spain. These changes affect a wide range of aspects, ranging from the introduction of new technologies to the adjustment of legislation. Official information suggests that these innovations are designed to improve road safety, reduce environmental pollution and optimize traffic flow management. In this regard, we present a detailed overview of the most important innovations and changes that motorists and other road users should pay attention to this year.
Mandatory documents for car and motorcycle drivers in Spain
Every year, innovations in the field of traffic are introduced in Spain. Some new rules have already entered into force in 2024, and new changes and plans are already visible on the horizon. In general, car drivers and motorcyclists should always carry a driver's license, a vehicle registration document and a technical inspection ticket.
Mandatory documents: compliance with the rules and penalties
Each of these documents must be carried with you in the original or in the form of a certified copy (the latter only in Spain) during each trip. However, you no longer need to carry an insurance policy or a receipt for the last insurance payment. If one of the required documents is missing, a fine of ten euros may be imposed for each missing document.
Digital application "miDGT": convenience and functionality
The website of the Spanish Directorate of Traffic Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) presents the smartphone application "miDGT". This application allows drivers to carry their driver's license, car registration document and technical inspection card in digital format. In addition, it provides access to various services and information related to the car and traffic.
Emergency Light V16: Spain's new road safety standard
From the beginning of 2024, the traditional warning triangle on Spanish roads will be replaced by the V16 light alarm system. This system, also known as the V16 emergency light, is a flashing orange light that is installed on the roof of a car and improves the visibility of a broken vehicle. When activated, it also transmits the vehicle's location data to the digital platform of the Spanish Traffic Management DGT.
Spain introduces new B1 driver's license
Important changes have been introduced in Spain for young drivers: now people aged 16 and older can purchase a B1 driver's license. These rights allow you to drive four- and three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 400 kg, a power of no more than 15 kW and a speed of up to 90 km/h.
To obtain a B1 driver's license, you must pass both theoretical and practical exams. The introduction of the B1 driver's license contributes to the popularization of electric vehicles, especially among young people. In addition, the B1 category is a more affordable alternative to a regular B driver's license. A B1 driver's license has a validity period of three years, after which it can be exchanged for a regular category B driver's license.
Implementation of low-emission zones in Spanish cities
Spain is implementing low-emission zones in large cities in order to reduce the environmental impact of urban transport. According to the law on Climate Change and Environmental transition, all cities with a population of more than 50,000 people and municipalities with a population of more than 20,000 with high levels of pollution are required to create ZBE zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones) or low-emission zones. An example of the consistent implementation of this directive is Benidorm on the Costa Blanca.
New rules for issuing driver's licenses to elderly people in Spain
According to the new traffic rules in Spain, older drivers are now required to update their driver's license more often. For those over the age of 65, this extension period will be reduced from ten to five years, and for those over the age of 70, an extension will become necessary every two years. To renew a driver's license, a medical certificate is required, which is issued after passing tests for reaction, coordination, as well as vision, hearing and general health checks.
Elderly residents of Spain can contact any authorized center for medical examination of drivers (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores) to renew their driver's license. In addition, the service of taking photographs for documents is often provided in these centers. The standard fee for the renewal of a driver's license (tariff 4.3) is currently 24.58 euros.