Date Published: 28/02/2025

Three out of four drivers in Spain have no idea what this road sign means

Can you buck the trend and identify this obscure sign that is becoming increasingly common across Spain?

Do you recognise this interesting road sign at all? If not, don’t worry - it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad driver as it turns out three in every four motorists has no idea what it means.

First off, it actually originated in France in 2011 and although it has made its way to Spain and other EU countries, it’s still not used all that often. Secondly, it was only introduced here back in 2023, so it’s quite possible that the majority of drivers haven’t come across it yet.

For future reference, this is called the P33 road sign and it is replacing the old fog warning sign.

According to the DGT, the P33 warns of the “danger due to the proximity of a stretch where traffic is frequently hampered by a significant loss of visibility due to fog, rain, snow or smoke.”

But even though this would seem like an important warning to know about, a recent study concludes that 75% of drivers do not know the meaning of the P33 sign.

Keep an eye out next time you’re on the road, especially if you’re driving close to the city limits. It’s a triangular sign with a red border, like many warning signs in Spain, and it shows a car driving into parallel lines.

This sign can be confused with the sign indicating the proximity of a Low Emission Zone (ZBE), even though one is a prohibition sign (it is round) and the other a danger sign (triangular).

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

Image: DGT

Linea Directa Bottom Article A-L CAR INSURANCE

Address

Avda de las Moreras 8 Mazarron, 30870, Murcia

Tel: (0034) 868 056 278
Mobile: (0034) 626 678 840

View Website

View Google Map

Facebook

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
Computer diagnosis & electrical fault finding
Air conditioning maintenance and repairs
Installation of radios, hands-free phone equipment, parking sensors and many other accessories
Air Conditioning re-gas
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.

Contact Decklid for further details using the safe contact box above or the contact details below: