Changes to speed limits and other motoring rules due for 2015
Sunday, January 4, 2015 @ 11:27 PM
ROAD traffic law changes due to come into force in the early part of 2015 include speed limit reductions, minimum distances and safety and liability regulations.
Although not yet given the ‘Royal assent’ in Parliament, the motoring legislation will bring down the speed limit on roads in non-built up areas from 100 kilometres per hour to 90km/h where the hard shoulder is at least 1.5 metres (4’11”) wide, and from 70km/h down to 50km/h on roads of less than 6.5 metres (just over 21’0”) wide.
Speed limits in built-up areas will remain at 50km/h, but will fall to 30km/h on single-carriageway one-way streets and to 20km/h on streets where the pavement and road Surface are level with each other.
Motorway speed limits will remain at 120km/h but may go up to 130km/h for cars, motorbikes and three-wheeled vehicles on a temporary basis where the section of the highway in question is considered to be in perfect conditions of safety and repair, and the weather is ideal for driving.
Other matters include companions of learner drivers – who, at present, may only be qualified driving instructors in the course of duty and only in a dual-control driving school car – who will be considered 100% liable for any accidents caused by a pupil.
Law changes also affect the use of cycle helmets, obligatory for riders aged 16 or under at all times, and motorcycle and moped helmets, where only approved helmets can be used and riders will no longer be able to refuse to wear them on medical grounds, even if they have a note from their doctor.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com