Mission Statement: to assist the integration of foreign residents living in Spain
By John Ensor • Published: 22 Feb 2024 • 14:43 • 1 minute read
Image of a vehicle indicator. Credit: LastMan21/Shutterstock.com
The correct use of vehicle indicators in Spain is a hot topic among British expatriates, often prompting numerous comments. But many have wondered what, if any, are the DGT fines for misusing turn signals.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) insists on the judicious use of turn signals to enhance road safety and imposes fines for non-compliance.
In its commitment to road safety, the DGT has set fines reaching up to €200 for drivers failing to use their turn signals where required. Additionally, if turn signals are not activated at the right time, the penalty may be as high as €80.
Paying the fine within 20 days of notification can halve the amount due. These measures highlight the DGT’s aim to curb accidents and promote orderly traffic flow.
Indicators, serve as a critical communication tool among drivers and pedestrians, signalling intentions to change lanes, turn, overtake, merge, stop, or park.
Avoiding fines for incorrect signal use starts with a thorough understanding of traffic laws, particularly at complex junctions like roundabouts where misuse is common in Spain.
Habitually using indicators for every manoeuvre, regardless of the presence of other vehicles or pedestrians, ensures clear intent and integrates signal use into driving habits, safeguarding against penalties.
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Originally from Doncaster, Yorkshire, John now lives in Galicia, Northern Spain with his wife Nina. He is passionate about news, music, cycling and animals.
This is running before one can walk – how about focusing on actually using indicators first
LOL, I didn’t realise Spanish cars had indicators, they never use them.
Excellent article. Perhaps the DGT could pay to advertise on these numerous advertising hoardings along most main roads with such info. Many years ago the phrase “Speed Kills” on the hoardings were successful in the UK, I remember.
As I rarely see police vehicles indicating anything (also seen them driving with arm out of the window, smoking etc!) what chance is there of a fine?
Please can you explain what the correct signal at approach to roundabout is ? I have to put my right indicator on to enter the roundabout, but I do not want to leave roundabout to 3rd exit. So do I immediately cancel my right indicator and put my left one on ? Thats farcical and 100% dangerous. Or do I enter the roundabout and put my left indicator on when I am turning right into roundabout ? For me, the correct signals should be, Enter roundabout- no signal. Stay in right hand lane till passing exit before the one I want and then put my Right indicator on. But, the vast majority of drivers presume you are going to turn right when in fact you want to go to next exit. Guide lines from DGT say you do not have to indicate with left indicator but I strongly advise you to do so ! May I just add that I have had many years experience in Londons Traffic Police and dealing with motoring offences and inevitable serious accidents.. The present system here is good though few drivers obey the rules but this new idea needs a lot of advanced thinking ! Please remember that it is better to be 10 minutes late in this world than 25 years to soon in next .
Hope DGT pass on these hints to UK authorities. Especially with regard to the entering and exiting of roundabouts. See hundreds of the lazy %^&**$%’s every day, who either display they are continuing their manoeuvre PAST the exit they actually make or, indicate TOO EARLY, their intended exit, thus telling us drivers that it is OK to proceed but then, go past that indicated exit and make a beeline for your front end instead.. Sadly, I can see no improvement developing in the UK. Not enough police about, insufficient camera surveillance and a government that doesn’t relaly give a **** when it comes to road safety. ( unless you are a lycra clad, 2 wheel addict with a Go Pro clad helmet ) . They are their own police, judge jury and witness, to ANY acts of anything bigger than themselves. 😉
It does not mention the ‘ Divine right of the indicator; which most seem to use on joining a motorway, Most drivers do not seem to realise it is required to give way to the vehicle on the motorway, not a signal to ‘Get out of the way I’m coming in’.
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