Driver distractions with automatic fines: New traffic authority campaign

EVERY now and again, Spain's traffic authority launches a campaign to remind drivers of what they should and should not be doing, or to answer common questions – such as, can drivers be fined if passengers do not wear a seatbelt? which has been the subject of much confusion over time. Or what those new 'dragon's teeth' and zig-zag road markings mean.

Where specific, serious offences are becoming too commonplace, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), part of the ministry of transport, launches extremely hard-hitting campaigns – sometimes on the radio or, more upsettingly, online, where the full graphic impact is on view. Much as everyone hates to see them, the DGT points out that, if these devastating images save just one life through drivers rethinking their behaviour, they have served their purpose.

For more general driving matters, frequently-asked questions, common misconceptions and ongoing doubts, another great source of information is the Guardia Civil's traffic Facebook fact page, 'N-332'. Named after the inter-provincial highway which runs from Valencia to Almería, this social media site has gathered a huge following, and users can post any motoring queries they need an answer to.

The most recent DGT awareness campaign covers distractions behind the wheel. Traffic boss Pere Navarro stresses that seemingly harmless actions, where they involve taking your attention off the road for just a second or two, are among the main causes of serious crashes involving major injury or worse.

And some distraction-causing behaviour is subject to a hefty fine and loss of licence points, even if they are not creating a danger at that moment.

Here are some of the most common, Navarro says.

Using a mobile phone

This is nothing new, and should be common knowledge, but the DGT reveals that mobile phone use whilst driving is getting more frequent, not less so.

Making or taking calls – even on hands-free mode, in Spain – sending messages, or consulting the sat-nav function all dramatically increase accident risk, and Navarro's department is clamping down hard.

Even having your mobile in your hand whilst driving, whether or not you are using it, may be considered a serious offence, and if you pull up on the roadside to take a call, turn your engine off. Where your car is still running, you are deemed to be 'driving' – largely because the temptation to move on again is much greater if you do not have to restart your car.

Drivers caught using a mobile for any purpose will automatically lose six licence points – 50% of the total – and be fined €200.

Putting your makeup on

In these days of constant rushing, stress and never having enough time, it can be tempting to just fling on your clothes and finish the rest of your morning routine whilst on your way to work. Navarro says it is very common to see motorists taking advantage of red traffic lights and gridlocks to 'put their face on', but that 'endless accidents' have been caused as a result – moving off whilst in the middle of doing one's makeup, or not moving on when the lights go green, causing rear shunts.

Anyone caught doing this – whether or not any imminent danger is involved – will automatically be fined €500 and lose six points from their driving licence.

Kissing or arguing

Showing affection for one's partner or spouse in the passenger seat, or having a blazing row whilst at the wheel, frequently cause road accidents, Navarro reveals. Personal interaction, positive or negative, of a highly intensive nature such as this means not giving your full attention to your driving, and 'numerous crashes' have followed arguments or kissing between couples in cars, the DGT director says.

As a result, automatic fines are imposed on drivers who are caught doing either, ranging from €100 to €500, depending upon the level of danger posed. And even if there's no immediate crash risk, offenders will lose six licence points, by default.

Using a sat-nav

Whilst the whole point of a GPS system is to help you find where you're going, not using it safely can net you a fine.

Pere Navarro warns that anyone physically handling their sat-nav system whilst driving will be fined.

Placing it in a holder on the dashboard – as long as it does not obscure your windscreen – or setting it to 'speaker' mode before you start to drive, so you can listen to it rather than having to look at the screen are the best ways to keep safe and avoid a fine.

Mobile phones set up in GPS mode could automatically get you into trouble, since, as Navarro reasons, you will also be turning your attention to any calls or messages you get – or could be tempted to.

Drivers seen adjusting, handling or otherwise manipulating a sat-nav system whilst their car is in motion will lose three points from their licences, and be fined €200.

“You won't get fined, but you shouldn't do it”

A post on the DGT's page on X (formerly known as Twitter), @DGTes, warns that, although many other, similar actions do not automatically attract fines or loss of licence points, they can still be just as dangerous.

“Trivial gestures, like just searching for your glasses, changing radio station or grabbing a bottle of water whilst you're driving, mean you're distracted just long enough to have a road traffic accident,” says the post, which uses the hashtags #SiniestroVial ('road crash') and #CeroDistracción ('zero distraction').

“If you avoid them, you'll protect yourself and protect other road users.”

At present – unless and until the law changes – you cannot be fined specifically for adjusting the car radio or looking for your spectacles.

But if a traffic police officer considers that your handling of the car or attention to the road are being adversely affected by these actions – to the point where safety is a real issue - you could be fined on the grounds of potentially dangerous driving.

Mindful of this, the DGT posts social media messages periodically, giving examples of behaviour at the wheel which is not necessarily illegal, but which, when consciously avoided, reduces the risk of accidents.