Date Published: 13/02/2025

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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Mazarrón-based mechanic offering full services including servicing, air conditioning, ITV checks etc

Decklid is a fully licensed garage, registered with the required industrial bodies, that has an opening license as well as a “carnet de manipulador” to legally repair A/C systems. They are also now part of the Expert Car Service Network Under the AD Recambios umbrella.

The “one stop shop” for your vehicle maintenance, Decklid are fully licenced and legal with both British and Spanish-speaking staff.

Decklid Auto Services is a British-run garage based in Mazarrón, Murcia, opened in 2010.

David Stapleton runs Decklid Autos and initially Diane, his wife, ran the business with Dave, but has recently taken a step away. Their son Hayden has filled the role working on reception.

David & Diane have lived in Spain since 2005, are constantly working hard to improve the workshop to provide more services, and have gained a solid reputation for reliability and hard work amongst the ex-pat community.

This successful, family-run business has 4 mechanics, 1 full-time and 2 part-time admin/reception staff.

Decklid offer a unique customer drop off service directly to your home in the mornings and can collect you the following morning.

David originally trained with BMW after leaving school, completing and passing their apprenticeship scheme, then continuing on to pass their technician scheme as well. After leaving BMW, he retrained as an industrial engineer for Proctor & Gamble, going back to college to gain more qualifications.

He moved to Spain after leaving P&G and worked in a Spanish garage for 3 years before setting up on his own.

The company operates from their own large premises and continue providing their professional service to all car owners in the area, offering a comprehensive range of services.

Servicing, general maintenance and repairs undertaken, including cam belts, clutches, engine repairs and more
ITV pre-checks and full ITV delivery, avoiding the need for owners to take their vehicles to the testing centre
Change of plates
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Installation of radios, hands-free phone equipment, parking sensors and many other accessories
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Special tyre fitting service
Sale of used cars by popular request of loyal customers

Decklid are also able to offer windscreen repair services, so if there is a chip in your windscreen, a small repair now can save you a lot of money in the long run.

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