Drivers in Spain face fines for making certain hand gestures to pedestrians
What many motorists consider a sign of courtesy can be heavily sanctioned by the traffic police in Spain
Spain is well known for its often weird and wacky rules of the road, such as restrictions on eating an ice-cream behind the wheel or wearing flip-flops. But it might even surprise the most seasoned drivers to learn that certain hand gestures made towards pedestrians are banned – and we’re not talking about the rude ones!
Have you ever been waiting to cross the road and had a kind motorist wave you across? Although this may seem like the ultimate act of courtesy, signalling at a pedestrian in this way with your hand is actually prohibited by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). According to the authorities, this gesture, so common among well-intentioned drivers, can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
According to article 65 of the General Traffic Regulations, at pedestrian crossings without traffic lights, priority always goes to the person on foot. However, when a driver signals a pedestrian to cross, it can induce a false sense of security. The pedestrian could start walking without noticing other vehicles approaching, especially those coming in the opposite direction or cars that have failed to stop.
This action can increase the risk of collisions and accidents.
In fact, there is even guidance against waving pedestrians on in the theory section of the driving licence test: “Do not signal with your arm for people to cross the road, as there is a risk of being run over by other drivers.”
On the other hand, failing to give way to people on foot at zebra crossings is considered a serious offence, punishable by a fine of 200 euros and the loss of four points from your driving licence.
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Address
Avda de las Moreras 8 Mazarron, 30870, MurciaTel: (0034) 868 056 278
Mobile: (0034) 626 678 840
Mobile: (0034) 626 678 840
Decklid Auto Services in Mazarrón
English and Spanish spoken at your one-stop car mechanic and servicing centre in the Mazarrón area
Decklid Auto Services is a fully licensed and legal British-run garage based in Mazarrón, Murcia in southern Spain, run by David since he and his family came to Spain in 2005.
Since then they have constantly worked hard to continue improving the workshop and to provide more and more services, using the experience David gained while working for three years in a Spanish garage before setting up on his own. His goal now is to provide the best possible service to his British, Spanish and European clients, and recent reviews in the local media in Murcia agree that David at Decklid Auto Services is the one to visit with all your vehicle needs in the area of Mazarrón.
David speaks both English and Spanish to help provide the best service possible.
Among the services offered are regular servicing, general maintenance and repairs (including cam belts, clutches and engine repairs), ITV pre-checks and full ITV packages, avoiding the need for owners to take their vehicles to the testing centre.
Computer diagnosis is used whenever appropriate, especially for electrical fault finding and air conditioning maintenance and repairs, and of course full tyre replacement and wheel alignment are on the menu as well!
Decklid can also re-register right-hand drive cars in Spain and change the number plates on import.
Opening hours: weekdays 9.00 to 18.00. Closed at weekends!
Telephone: (0034) 868 056 278
Mobile: (0034) 626 678 840
Email: decklid@hotmail.es
Website: www.decklidautos.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/david.decklid
