Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, is considering banning the act of overtaking during adverse weather conditions, it has emerged.
The measure, first outlined in the DGT’s magazine Trafico y Seguridad Vial, would form part of a new Royal Decree modifying Article 31 of the General Traffic Regulations.
Under the proposed reform, drivers would be prohibited from overtaking on motorways and dual carriageways when weather conditions severely affect visibility or road grip.
If snow or ice makes driving hazardous:
- Vehicles would be required to remain in the right-hand lane
- Traffic would move in single file
- Overtaking manoeuvres would be banned
The aim is to reduce collision risks, improve overall traffic flow in extreme conditions and facilitate access for emergency services and snowploughs.
The DGT also plans to tighten regulations when passing vehicles that are stationary on the road.
Once the changes come into force, drivers will be required to:
- Reduce their speed by 20 km/hr below the road’s maximum limit
- Maintain a safe minimum distance
- Exercise increased caution
For example, on a motorway with a 120 km/hr speed limit, drivers would only be allowed to pass stopped vehicles at 100 km/hr.
It is not yet known when these prosposals would become law.
