New DGT Traffic Rules 2025: Safe and Efficient Traffic in Bad Weather and Emergencies in Medvilla Spanje

New DGT Traffic Rules 2025: Safe and Efficient Traffic in Bad Weather and Emergencies

01.07.2024

From January 2025, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) in Spain will introduce new traffic regulations. These regulations are designed to increase safety and make emergency services more efficient, especially during bad weather conditions and emergency situations. Below, you can discover the main changes and what they mean for road users.

1. Driving safely in bad weather on motorways

To avoid dangerous situations during extreme weather conditions, such as snow or ice, the following rules will apply from 2025:

  • Use of the right lane: Motorists may only drive in the right lane.
  • No overtaking: Overtaking is prohibited, so that the left lane remains free for snowploughs, emergency services and recovery vehicles.

These measures will provide more space and safety for vehicles that perform essential work in adverse conditions.

2. Clearing the central lane in case of traffic jams

When traffic is stationary on motorways and expressways, it will be mandatory to keep a central lane free for emergency services. Drivers must:

  • Move to the extreme left or right lane.
  • Vehicles behind them indicate that they are making way for the emergency services.

This rule is crucial to save valuable time in emergencies.

3. Motorcyclists on the hard shoulder in traffic jams

Motorcyclists are allowed to use the right hard shoulder in traffic jams, but under strict conditions:

  • Maximum speed: 30 km/h.
  • Giving way: Motorcyclists must give way to vehicles that are required to use the hard shoulder, such as bicycles and vehicles for reduced mobility.

This helps motorcyclists navigate through heavy traffic more safely and efficiently.

4. Stricter rules for using the hard shoulder

The DGT clarifies which vehicles are allowed to use the hard shoulder under specific circumstances. These are:

  • Vehicles pulled by animals.
  • Special vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg.
  • Bicycles.
  • Mopeds.
  • Vehicles for people with reduced mobility.

These vehicles are only allowed to use the hard shoulder if there is no alternative route available.

Why are these rules important?

The new traffic regulations aim to:

  • Increase road safety: Reduce chaos and accidents, especially in bad weather and heavy traffic.
  • Improve the efficiency of emergency services: Faster access to emergencies can save lives.

The changes are a step forward in creating safer roads for all road users in Spain.

Stay up to date with these changes and prepare for a safer driving experience in 2025!