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Here in Spain, the Traffic Regulations are a constantly changing thing and while this only serves to make Spanish roads safer, it can be confusing for motorists. What’s allowed today could be banned tomorrow, and something that was mandatory last week might no longer matter next month.

 

Most motorists know that there are certain documents they have to keep in their car by law. These include your driving licence, ITV sticker and the vehicle’s registration certificate. If a traffic officer asks to see one of these and you can’t produce it, you could be looking at a €500 fine.

 

But what about safety equipment and other maintenance tools?

 

All cars come with a spare tyre, but did you know that by law you’re always required to carry it? The Regulations specify that all vehicles must have a spare wheel, or at least a temporary ‘space saver’ tyre, plus all the necessary equipment for changing it.

 

The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) would prefer that all drivers carry a “complete” tyre – that is, the proper one designed for the car. But it’s perfectly ok to use a narrower emergency tyre if that’s all the budget or space in the boot allows. However, these should only be left on for a short time and motorists can’t exceed 80 kilometres per hour when using a space saver.

 

The DGT also recommends that drivers keep a puncture repair kit in their cars, but this point isn’t really pushed since, barring a miracle, the tyre will still have to be replaced. Best case scenario, it will get you to the nearest garage without having to completely change the tyre on the side of the road.

 

Lastly, the traffic authorities want drivers to be extremely cautious when using run-flat tyres. In theory, when punctures, they’ll allow your car to run for around 100 kilometres but they do gradually lose air over time, so they should really be replaced as soon as possible.

 

According to the Guardia Civil, officers can fine motorists up to €200 (although no licence points will be deducted) if they don’t carry at least one of these items in their car.

 

 

Image: Guardia Civil