New driving regulations to reduce traffic accidents 2021

On 2nd of January 2021 new modifications relating to Traffic Regulations and Vehicles came into force.

Changes in the deductions of points regarding different sanctions:

•          6 points will be deducted from your driving licence for driving while holding mobile phone. Being stopped at a traffic light holding a mobile phone is considered the same offence. (Before the change to the regulation, you would lose 3 points.)
•          4 points deducted for not using or using without fastening, a seat belt, child restraint chair, or crash helmets.
•          3 points deducted for having in the car a radar or other detection mechanisms, no matter if they are operational or not, will be considered a serious offence plus a fine of 200 euros
•          2 points recovered from the licence for taking a course on safe driving, conditions apply.

Other changes:

•          Committing fraud in driving tests will be considered a very serious offence, fines are 500 euros and a penalty of 6 months without being able to attend the exam.
•          A minimum of 2 years period without committing infractions to recover the initial balance of points.
•          There will be a new on-line access to the Drivers registry so transport companies can find out if their workers’ driving licence is valid or not.
•          Cars and motorcycles may not exceed the speed limit on conventional roads by 20 km / h when they pass another vehicle.  The abolition of the 20km/h exceed speed limit has already been eliminated in the other countries of the European Union.

New Speed limits:

On the 11th of May 2021 (six months after the publication in the BOE of the new road’s regulations) will come into force the following restr   ictions:

• 20 km/h on roads that have a single carriageway and a pavement.
• 30 km/h on roads with a single lane in each direction of traffic.
• 50 km/h on roads with two or more lanes per traffic direction.

 New regulations regarding personal mobility vehicles.

What is considered a PMV and electric scooters? Vehicles with one or more wheel and with a single seat that are powered by an electric engine.

Driving with them on the pavement or in pedestrian areas is prohibited. Also driving on a highway that passes within a town or in urban tunnels is also not permitted.

Personal mobility vehicles may circulate at speeds between 6 and 25 km / h.

Drivers may be subjected to the breathalyzer test, and they are subject to the same maximum alcohol levels allowed to other drivers, in addition to being prohibited from driving after having consumed drugs. Same fines and sanctions than the rest of the drivers apply.

They are also not allowed to drive using their mobile or any other device while driving or wearing headphones.

Fines: 200 euros for using the mobile phone or the headphones; 100 euros for carrying a passenger.

24 months after the publication in the official Gazette (BOE) all personal mobility vehicles will need a certificate for circulation that certifies that they comply with the technical requirements and a registration to identify them.