See and be seen: When to use your headlights on Spanish roads
Failing to use your lights when conditions are poor in Spain could result in a €200 fine
Driving conditions have been bordering on treacherous at times over the last few weeks, and the torrential rain and strong gusts have left many roads flooded and impassable. But the days have also been dark and dreary, with fog, mist and even Saharan dust impacting visibility across the country.
Of all the infractions we can commit while driving, having malfunctioning or incorrectly working lights is one that traffic police can pick up on instantly, and they will fine motorists on the spot.
According to Article 43 of the Road Safety Law, all vehicles “travelling between sunset and sunrise” must have their lights switched on but dipped.
This law is in place for obvious reasons: to improve visibility on the roads and prevent accidents.
However, this doesn't only apply to cars travelling on Spanish roads at night.
Drivers travelling through a tunnel or underpass must turn on their dipped headlights, regardless of the time of day, to ensure that their vehicle can be seen clearly even when there is less natural light.
Dipped headlights are also required in reversible or oncoming lanes. Using the lights is essential to distinguish the direction of travel and avoid potential head-on collisions.
Finally, when the weather is bad, like it is at the moment, the traffic authorities recommend that motorists drive with their lights on. The regulations indicate that weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog, snow and suspended dust all reduce drivers’ vision so low-beam headlights are essential to improve safety.
Failure to have your headlights on when required is considered a serious offense by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). The fine does not result in the loss of points from your license, but it does incur a fine of up to €200.
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Image: DGT
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