British driver and expats are being warned of expensive fines they face for common bad habits when travelling in Spain over the summer this year.
Millions of Britons head to Spain every year to bask in the sun and make the most of the summer holidays, and this year will be no exception.
However, experts are warning that motorists could be slapped with fines if they are planning to drive when they are there, with British expats living in Spain also at risk.
Law changes in Spain were updated in January in a bid to make roads across the country safer for all road users.
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Britons driving in Spain this summer are being urged to follow road rules
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Police forces have been cracking down on motorists who flout the rules when they are not using an indicator, which many will admit they do on a daily basis.
The rules require drivers to use the indicator when they are taking on manoeuvres such as changing lanes, turning into roads or exiting roundabouts.
The Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) insisted that it was a “critical component of road safety” for drivers to use their indicators so other road users know where they are looking to travel.
It was part of a larger campaign to make driving and road users in Spain safer, similar to the DVLA using the Highway Code to remind drivers of the correct way to drive.
Andrew Jervis, CEO of ClickMechanic, said: “Motorists must keep in mind that many countries in Europe carry driving laws that don’t exist here in the UK, and it is easy to get caught out.
“Since January, Spanish police have been getting tough on drivers who fail to use their indicators, which many drivers will admit they are guilty of from time to time.
“This summer, falling foul of this rule could land you with a €200, or £170, fine as law enforcement officers get tough on offenders.
“Not only that, but being too slow to use your indicators before changing direction can land you with a minimum €80, or £68, fine.”
The expert instructed drivers to always check the road rules they need to follow before going on holiday they will likely not have the same driving laws as the UK.
There is no formal law or charge for drivers in the UK if they do not use their indicators on the road, although they could be accused of “driving without due care and attention”.
This is defined as driving below the minimum standard of what is expected from a competent and careful motorist, as well as not having reasonable consideration for other road users.
Rules 103 to 106 of the Highway Code deal with how drivers should use their indicators and signals to help other drivers know where they are going on the road.
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The Highway Code has guidance on how to correctly use indicators
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Rule 104 states that motorists should watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when they are satisfied that it is safe.
It also outlines that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled, with drivers needing to make allowances for other people’s habits.
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