The Policía Municipal are responsible for traffic control within the towns, outside these areas it becomes the area of the Guardia Civil de Tráfico. The motorcycle police usually patrol in pairs and are trained in mechanics and first aid, they will stop and help any drivers in trouble. The police will often set up a check point and stop random motorists, they want to see your passport or residencia, driving license and vehicle registration papers (permiso de circulación) with insurance certificate (including proof of payment). Speed limits in Lanzarote Residential areas 20 kph Built up areas 50 kph Country roads 80 kph Dual carriageways 100 kph Traffic Fines A traffic ticket (multa) issued should show the vehicle’s registration number, details of the driver, details of the offence, police identification number and time limit for an appeal. Any non-resident driver will be asked to pay traffic fines on the spot and expect to be accompanied to a cash point if you don’t have the funds on you! A resident is given 30 days to make the payment at a local bank or the tráfico office. A discount of up to 30% may offered for prompt or immediate payment, the fine is to be paid within 60 days otherwise. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the offence, they range up to €1,500. Serious offences include driving at least 30 kph over the speed limit, driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusing to take a breathalyzer test, exceeding the number of people legally permitted in the vehicle. Offences such as driving without lights, parking in a dangerous position, crossing a solid white line, driver or passengers not wearing a seatbelt carry fines from €91 to €300. Minor offences such as using your mobile phone whilst driving, allowing a minor under the age of 12 in the front seat, carry a fine up to €90. Click here for more information on how to pay a multa online. Driving bans Depending upon the severity of the traffic fine issued you may also receive a driving ban from 1-3 months. A driver who has been fined three times for serious offences within a two year period may have their license revoked. Speed cameras There is a fixed speed camera in Lanzarote, this is on the main dual carriage way from the Airport to Arrecife, the speed limit is 100 kph, the local police also have mobile speed cameras and can either pull you up at the scene to issue the ticket or you may only receive a notification in the post some weeks later. Points In Spain the driver starts with 12 points and a new driver with 8 points for their first three years. Points are deducted for traffic infractions along with the fine, if a driver loses all of their points, their license is revoked. Some examples of points taken for offences are: 6 points - drunk driving, refusing to take a breath test, driving at more than 150 per cent of the speed limit, dangerous driving 4 points - driving at more than 40kph over the limit, failing to stop at a red light or stop sign, throwing rubbish out of the car, dangerous overtaking 3 points - failing to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, driving between 30 and 40kph over the limit, driving without lights in poor visibility, using a hand-held mobile phone or wearing headphones while driving, not wearing a seatbelt (or helmet when riding a motorcycle) 2 points – stopping on a bend, driving between 20 and 30 kph over the limit To regain a licence, drivers must retake the driving test and take a driving course of around 30 hours. These tests cannot be taken until at least six months after the last driving offence and can be taken only once every two years. Liability The owner of the car is liable for any offences relating to the vehicle such as the ITV and safety conditions. The driver is responsible for the traffic violation, if the owner of the vehicle is notified about an offence where they were not driving, they should inform the police of the driver’s details. If the offender is under 18 years old, the parents or guardians are responsible for the fine, this would mainly applies to scooters as the legal age for driving a car is 18 in Spain. Criminal Offences Some traffic violations are also a criminal offence, such as driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a car accident could be charged as homicide by misadventure, refusal to take a breathalyzer test and driving endangering other people. Generally the imprisonment term could be up to four years, lesser offences could be given a driving ban up to 10 years. Seizing the Vehicle The police have the rights to seize your car if it has been illegally parked or a non-resident driver refuses to pay the fine imposed, also if the car is immobile after an accident or it is believed to be abandoned. Towing You are not allowed to tow cars in Lanzarote, if your car breaks down or has an accident then you must call for a grúa (tow truck). PLEASE NOTE OUR LATEST ARTICLE REFERRING TO THE TRAFFIC LAW CHANGES ON THE 25TH MAY 2010 |
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