NEW road markings are being rolled out all over Spain after starting off on just a handful of highways, and the traffic authority wants to ensure everyone knows what they mean.
Markings known as ‘dragon’s teeth', originally piloted in the province of Burgos in 2021, are now being extended across Spain. Photo by the ministry for transport, mobility and urban agenda (MITMA)
Broken lines and what are known as 'dragon's teeth' began to appear along each side of roads in 2021, but only in a few towns – although now, they are gradually spreading out all over the country.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), part of Spain's transport ministry, explains that 'dragon's teeth' – so named because of their shape – are a series of triangles painted along both edges of a road, with the apex, or point, facing inwards towards the centre.
They are normally found at the entrance to towns or built-up areas from a main highway, where the speed limit drops.
When drivers 'enter' the 'dragon's jaw', they should begin slowing down in preparation.
The idea of this is to prevent suddenly reduction in speed upon sight of a sign showing the much lower limit, which can lead to rear shunts if cars behind do not react quickly enough.
Broken zig-zag lines alongside the road, also introduced in Burgos two years ago, will roll out shortly to the rest of the country. Photo by the ministry for transport, mobility and urban agenda (MITMA)
According to the DGT, the 'dragon's teeth' markings work by giving the driver the illusion of the road becoming narrower, which means they instinctively take their foot off the accelerator.
In reality, this is not the case, since there is no prohibition on driving on top of the markings.
Similar, relatively-new road markings are broken lines in a zig-zag pattern, painted along a stretch of approximately 30 metres.
These aim to warn drivers of an imminent zebra crossing, so they can slow down and be ready to stop in time.
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