Date Published: 20/03/2025

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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Avda de las Moreras 8 Mazarron, 30870, Murcia

Tel: (0034) 868 056 278
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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 in Mazarrón 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.

Decklid Auto Services in Mazarrón 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