€100 fine for front seat passengers who put their feet on the dashboard
Passengers travelling with their feet on the dashboard may think it is a comfortable position on long journeys, but Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, has warned it can be both dangerous and illegal, and carries a fine of up to €100.
Under Spanish traffic law, which governs the Canary Islands, drivers are responsible for ensuring that all occupants maintain a proper position while travelling. If a passenger places their legs on the dashboard, police may consider that the driver has failed to meet this obligation.
What the law says
The legal basis is found in Article 18 of Spain’s General Traffic Regulations. The rule states that drivers must maintain full freedom of movement and a clear field of vision to drive safely.
It also requires the driver to ensure both their own correct posture and that of their passengers while inside the vehicle, to ensure maximum safety of all occupants.
Because of this, authorities may issue a fine of up to €100 if a passenger is seen travelling with their feet on the dashboard. The offence does not carry penalty points on a driving licence.
Why the position is dangerous
Beyond the possible fine, road safety experts warn that the biggest risk is the potential for serious injury in the event of an accident.
A car’s safety systems, including seatbelts, seats and airbags, are designed to protect occupants who are sitting correctly with their backs against the seat and feet on the floor.
If someone rests their legs on the dashboard, the seatbelt may not function properly. In some cases this can lead to the so-called “submarining effect”, where the body slides underneath the belt during a collision.
Airbags increase the risk
The risk becomes significantly higher in vehicles equipped with a front passenger airbag.
Airbags deploy in milliseconds and are designed to protect the chest and head. However, if a passenger’s legs are resting on the dashboard when the airbag inflates, the force can cause severe injuries.
According to road safety authorities, the rapid deployment can result in fractures, dislocations and serious damage to the pelvis or spine as the legs are violently forced backwards.
Even collisions at relatively low speeds can lead to serious injuries if a passenger is sitting in this position.
The safest way to travel
Road safety experts recommend that passengers always maintain the correct position inside the vehicle:
- Back firmly against the seat
- Seatbelt properly fastened
- Feet flat on the floor
Following these simple guidelines allows the car’s safety systems to work as intended and significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
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