Life in the fast lane could land you with a big fine in Spain

Drivers who incorrectly hog the left lane in Spain can be fined up to 200 euros

Spain features several different kinds of roads, the rules for driving on which are many and varied and have been updated by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) this year.

Regulations naturally differ depending on whether you’re driving along a quiet rural road, a dual carriageway or one of the country’s main motorways, where the rules are strictly enforced given that motorists can travel at a speed of up to 120kph and which feature several different lanes.

One of the main bugbears of the traffic authorities is ‘left lane syndrome’ – a tendency of drivers to travel in the so-called fast lane, or in the central one, when they should be tucked into the slower lane.

The General Traffic Regulations of the DGT specify that, in a normal situation, motorists should remain in the right-hand lane and only change to the left lane in three very specific circumstances:

If a driver wants to overtake a slower car ahead
If a motorist wants to give way to a driver who is travelling faster from behind
If the driver is planning to take an exit that is situated off the left lane

The DGT is particularly strict on this matter and if traffic cops notice a driver travelling in the left lane for no reason, they will quickly determine that he is hindering the free flow of traffic and can impose a fine of up to 200 euros.

It’s worth noting that this amount can also be sanctioned on drivers who travel too closely behind the car ahead.

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