British expat warning over unusual Spanish winter driving law – up to £68 fine

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Drivers in Spain will need to ensure that their clothing allows them to safely and fully operate their vehicle this winter. A traffic officer can make a judgement call if they think someone’s winter clothing impacts their driving.

Article 3.1 of Spain’s General Traffic Regulation, states: “The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving, which guarantee his own safety, that of the rest of the occupant of the vehicle and that of other road users.”

If expats are driving in a very heavy winter coat or thick gloves, they could be fined by traffic officials.

While it’s up to the traffic official to decide whether to issue a fine, expats could be penalized for wearing heavy clothes that obstruct their driving.

It is thought that a fine would be around €80 (£68) but could be reduced to €40 (£34) if they pay quickly.

But that’s not the only driving law that British expats will need to watch out for on the roads in Spain.

Parking on a beach where the sand is protected by environmental law could lead to a fine of up to €6,000 (£5,103).

Expats should always use appropriate parking spaces when visiting a Spanish beach and there are likely to be signs if the area is protected.

Drivers will also need to be on their guard when it comes to choosing summer clothing in Spain.

Driving without a shirt, or while barefoot can incur a hefty fine of €200 (£170) in Spain.

Barefoot driving is advised against as the driver is likely to have less control over the pedals and could put themselves and other vehicles in danger.

Drivers can also be fined for having their arm out their vehicle window for an extended period of time.

Expats must only use the car horn in the case of an emergency which include avoiding an accident or alerting another motorist.

Improper use of a car horn could result in a fine of €80 (£68) while driving while playing music can incur charges in some areas.

Playing loud music from a car in quiet areas such as in the early morning hours or outside a hospital could lead to a fine in Spain.

British expats recently received an extension on the validity of British driving licences in Spain.

Expats can now use their UK licence until December 31 after which point they will need to apply for a Spanish licence.

Britons will need to take a driving test in Spanish to qualify for the licence. They will also have to pay for the test.

The practical driving test costs £104 in Spain while the theory exam will set expats back £77.

British tourists are allowed to drive in Spain on their UK licence for up to six months but will need to have a UK sticker on their car.

Car sticker rules for driving in Spain were changed in September and all British cars must now display a UK sticker.

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