Traffic authorities in Spain to clamp down on ‘unsupportive’ apps that give away the location of speed cameras and police controls

Spanish traffic police will crack down on websites that steal the locations of speed cameras and drug and alcohol checkpoints.

Applications such as Waze and Social Drive will be in the line of attack for such activities, which Interior Minister Fernando Grande Marlasca has described as “uncooperative” and “dangerous.”

Last June, Marlasca said the Guardia Civil was aware of online “warnings” about police stop locations through social networks and messaging apps, complaining that they “reduced the effectiveness of these measures”. said.

“This warning puts people’s lives at risk, as it allows drink drivers to evade enforcement, potentially leading to irreversible consequences for third parties,” he added. .

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Under new additions to Spain’s traffic laws, the practice is expected to face stiffer sanctions, including fines.

Police stops are only set up for 15 minutes at a time, making them harder to find, and awareness campaigns are being carried out.

The move is part of a series of changes by Spain’s transport authority, the DGT, aimed at strengthening road safety and reducing accidents, particularly related to drink driving.

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To ease traffic congestion, motorbikes will be allowed to ride on the shoulder of the road during times of traffic congestion. This has long been an informal practice among bikers, but the DGT has officially approved it to ease congestion on Spain’s busiest roads.

Under the new rules, motorcyclists traveling on motorways and country roads must wear full-face or modular helmets, protective gloves and closed footwear.

These measures were taken in response to the alarming statistic that motorcyclists account for a third of road fatalities.

Another important update affects people who want to ride motorcycles with a Standard B driving license.

Previously, drivers with three years of experience were exempt from additional requirements.

From now on, you will need to complete mandatory training to ensure better preparation for handling the bike.

Motorcyclists must make sure to keep up to date with these new measures to avoid penalties and stay safe on the road.