The Department of Traffic (DGT) have issued guidance to drivers about how and when to use indicators correctly when driving, and a warning that misuse can lead to a hefty fine, after Spain's Observatory of Behaviour on Motorways released new data showing that 74% of drivers don’t indicate before overtaking another vehicle, and very few do so when changing lanes.
The guidance includes overtaking, stating: “After checking the rear-view mirror to make sure it is safe to pull out, drivers should start to indicate before they move and keep the indicator on until they have completed the manoeuvre and moved back into their lane.
The DGT says that 66% of motorists don't know how to use a roundabout correctly, and are not sure when to indicate on roundabouts. They have confirmed that it is not necessary to indicate when approaching or driving around a roundabout, however, it is essential to indicate when changing lanes or leaving the roundabout, to warn other drivers of your intentions.
When spotting a traffic jam ahead, many drivers instantly put their hazard warning lights on, but the DGT does not recommend this. Instead, if a driver is about to brake sharply, it advises repeatedly pressing the brake instead to warn those behind.
However, in this type of situation, the rules say that: “a driver must warn others via optic signals if they are going to make any manoeuvre which involves moving sidewards or backwards, or if they intend to stop their vehicle or slow it down rapidly”. Failure to give any sort of warning in this situation can result in a 200 euro fine.
Hazard warning lights are not an excuse to park illegally:
When parking a vehicle, the correct way of warning other drivers is to put the indicator on, on the side where you are planning to park. Many drivers seem to think they can double-park if they leave their hazard warning lights on, but this is against the law.
Double parking is not permitted unless the vehicle is stationary for less than 2 minutes, the driver does not get out, and the vehicle must not interfere with traffic flow or put other road users at risk.
Under those exceptional circumstances hazard warning lights must be used, otherwise there is a 100 euro fine for double parking whether your warning lights are on or not.
