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Speed Cameras and General Road Safety laws.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deanscroft
  • Start date Start date
It does seem to be getting worse - or reported more often. A warning to us all. Perhaps those speeding fines will give us pause for thought.
 
Reports say that the number of deaths on the roads is actually falling and of course it is claimed this is because the existing cameras are making drivers slow down ;).
 
That's interesting, and very welcome. Just reported more often then unfortunately. Let's be safe out there! :)
 
This is an interesting thread for me as I had an unwelcome souvenir from my holiday in Tossa de Mar last October. Several weeks after returning I got a 100 euro fine through the post. Fortunately this was reduced by half if paid quickly. Having become paranoid about the cameras I thoroughly researched where the cameras were sited in Catalonia for a trip to Salou last month and I found a great website for Spanish speedcams. The website has maps showing where the cameras are sited. More useful though is that it also has downloadable points of interest for satnav's. I paid 5.99 euros to become a premium member but I don't think you actually need to as I think the poi's can be downloaded for free along with voice alerts etc. There are also instructions in English on the site and photos showing what the different cameras look like as well. I should point out that the obvious way to avoid speed fines is to keep to the limits but on the other hand you only have to forget what the limit is for a moment on unfamiliar roads and you could be caught for going just a few Km/h over the limit. I'm certainly no speed merchant and I got caught. The worst part about it as well is that unlike the UK you could have months waiting before you know if you have been done.
Hope this helps somebody.
 
Greybeard said:
.................. More useful though is that it also has down loadable points of interest for satnav's. I paid 5.99 euros to become a premium member but I don't think you actually need to as I think the poi's can be downloaded for free along with voice alerts etc. ........Hope this helps somebody.
Click to expand...

Excellent resource Greybeard, the map supports the PDF we found earlier.:cool:

Warning, it may be illegal to use a Satnav that alerts you to speed cameras in Spain.:eek:
 
El Gordo said:
Excellent resource Greybeard, the map supports the PDF we found earlier.:cool:

Warning, it may be illegal to use a Satnav that alerts you to speed cameras in Spain.:eek:
Click to expand...

Thanks El gordo. From what I have read in this thread and elsewhere it is legal to have warning devices. Devices that interfere with the radar are of course illegal. This youtube video apparently has an official saying that yes they are legal but unfortunately I don't speak Spanish. Perhaps someone in the forum does though and can check? The title above the video though is "Detector de radar legal a partir del 25 Mayo 2010" which I think is saying that according to the video it is legal. I found the video on this site which also has a table showing the penalties for speeding.
 
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My understanding is that using a device that gives voice or sound alerts is perfectly legal but screen based devices are not.
 
Firstly, may i say that this thread is fantastic and full of great information, especially for myself that has never driven on Mallorca, though i will be.
I would like to ask a couple of questions though, due to having a hire car.
1/ My daughter will be 11, and whilst fairly tall for her age, will she be required to use a booster seat or is she past the age of needing one, and,
2/ In relation to the alcohol laws, how do these compare to UK laws, ie, can i enjoy a beer or a glass of wine with lunch or dinner and still be legal to drive or should i stick to soft drinks?

Thanks

Brian
 
Hi Skippy, i believe the law regarding carrying children in cars is the same here as it is in the UK. The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 milligrams which is lower than the UK limit of 0.8 milligrams. Hope you have a great holiday and happy motoring ;) :).
 
sparky said:
Hi Skippy, i believe the law regarding carrying children in cars is the same here as it is in the UK. The legal alcohol limit is 0.5 milligrams which is lower than the UK limit of 0.8 milligrams. Hope you have a great holiday and happy motoring ;) :).
Click to expand...

These are figures of alcohol in blood which are now rarely used. The UK limit is 35mg in breath, while in Spain it is 25mg. Two large beers would be enough to take you over the 25mg limit.
 
many thanks for the info, now it only remains for a wee bit info on how to get to the villa:cool:
 
I have just found this on FB (Google translation). You have been warned.... be careful out there :eek:.

In the area of the Club Pollentia (former Sun Club) puts a radar of the civil guard's traffic, where there is a sign at 50 Km/h speed limit, a logical speed in midsummer, but clearly irrational in low season. From 66 Km/h the fine is € 300 (150€ per payment) and 2 points.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Sparky! The positive is that a slower speed helps one appreciate the view!
 
New changes in the law.

This from the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

New traffic laws approved.
Cyclists aged 16 or less will have to wear a helmet when cycling in city centres from now on, after the Spanish congress agreed yesterday to change current traffic laws.

Palma.—At first the minimum age was 18 but opposition parties also agreed on bringing it forward.

Fines for drink driving have also suffered alterations.
Drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol will be fined 500 euros. Should the amount of alcohol in their blood double the amount allowed by law, so will the fine.

Alcohol.
If police suspect a driver is under the influence of drugs, they can ask for a saliva sample.
If it tests positive those caught will also be subject to a standard 1000 euro caution.
Prescription drugs such as metadone have been excluded.
Authorities have said they are determined to follow through with their "zero tolerance" policies and these changes intend to reflect just that.

Radars used by some drivers to warn them of speed cameras have now been forbidden.

The speed limit in some parts of certain highways is set to be lifted to 130 kilometres per hour, but those caught driving at 150 kmph or more will face sanctions and could lose points on their licenses.

Child safety has also not been forgotten
Child safety seats will be mandatory for any child whose height is less than 1.35 metres.

The deadline for paying traffic fines is also set to change.

Infractors will be given an extra five days to pay their fines voluntarily.
So instead of 15days they will now have 20.
Click to expand...
 
The above changes in the law come into effect from tomorrow, this has been posted today by the local police on FB, it's been translated by Bing.

The new traffic law goes into effect tomorrow May 9th, remember that among other things there are from tomorrow the following five major changes:-children under 16 years old will have the obligation to wear a helmet When biking can flow to urban areas, so far only was obligatory for interurban routes.
-Will not be allowed the use of radar detection devices. (fine of 200 euros and the loss of three points).
-Be able to inmobilitzar a vehicle if driving with minors without child retention system, which will be compulsory for all children under that does not exceed the 135 cm in height.
-Increases the voluntary period of payment of the fines or to make the allegations, from 15 to 20 days.
-Increases the fines, up to 1000 euros for the alcoholemies or if it detects the presence of drugs in the body.
This law provides for other changes that will possibly approve next month of June with the modification of the general regulation of circulation.
Click to expand...
 
Some more info about these changes :-

1. Speeding fines apply for exceeding the limit by just 1kph! On some motorways, the speed limit is being increased from 120kph to 130kph, but in many towns, the speed limit is being reduced from 30kph to 20kph.
2. If the Guardia Civil observe a motoring offence and note the vehicle registration number, this provides sufficient evidence to prosecute- no need for them to stop vehicles.
3. A minimum fine of 1,000 Euros will be payable by drivers caught driving whilst double the drink drive limit or above; or in all cases for reoffending drink drivers; and drivers under the influence of drugs.
4. The Guardia Civil can seize any vehicle carrying children without legally compliant child seats.
5. The very specific rules as to where children must sit in the vehicle (according to age/ height) must be observed, otherwise drivers face heavy fines.
6. Cyclists under 16 years of age must wear helmets.
7. Drivers have much higher duties to ensure the safety of cyclists of all ages.
8. Speed camera/ radar detectors are prohibited.
9. An EU Directive is to be implemented so that driving offences committed in one EU country are reported to the EU country of registration of the vehicle in question.
10. Much stricter rules are being implemented for the Spanish registration of foreign registered vehicles kept in Spain.


Please SHARE this with your friends and contacts who drive in Spain, to help them to be lawful (and to avoid fines!).
 
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