Night driving ban for new drivers in Spain

New license-holders won’t be able to drive at night in Spain if new rules are introduced. 

New data from 2023 reveals that 29% of road accidents in Spain happen under low-light conditions, raising concerns about driver safety after dark. Poor visibility, driver fatigue, and a higher chance of impaired driving are some of the key factors contributing to the increased risks.

In response to these troubling statistics, the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) is considering new rules that would restrict novice drivers from being on the road between midnight and 6 am to address the elevated danger during these hours.

The overall road fatality count has remained steady, with 1,145 deaths recorded in 2023. Alarmingly, vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists and pedestrians, have seen an increase in fatalities. Speeding and distracted driving continue to be leading causes of accidents, especially at night.

While digital driving licences and cross-border enforcement efforts are in the works, these new statistics show the need for further action to ensure safer roads, particularly during the late hours when the risks are highest.

If Spain bans new drivers from driving at night under these strict new DGT rules, there will be no driving from 12 am to 6 am for novice drivers. 

The Spanish Driving Authority (DGT) and EU regulators are currently discussing potential new rules that could ban new drivers in Spain from driving at night. However, these changes have not yet been decided or approved, and nothing will come into effect until further decisions are made.

This wouldn’t be the first time new drivers have faced restrictions in Spain. In 1976, the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of Madrid introduced a rule preventing novice drivers from using motorways, highways, and national roads during the first year of holding a licence. The ban was in effect from 5:00 pm on the eve of public holidays until midnight on the holiday itself. Prior to that, the restriction was even stricter, lasting from midnight on the eve of public holidays until the end of the holiday at midnight.

No More Night Drives for New Road Users?

If the Spanish Driving Authority (DGT) cracks down on new drivers, this will mean no more night drives for new road users.

Spain’s National Driving Authority, the “Dirección General de Tráfico” or DGT, has recently shocked new drivers with news of a potential ‘night driving ban‘. 

The new rule would affect drivers who have just passed their test, aiming to reduce the number of accidents caused by inexperienced drivers. The new rules would mean there would be no driving between 12 am and 6 am for new license holders. Given that 20% of traffic accidents happen at night, the regulation would target the times when new drivers are most at risk.

First-timers behind the wheel would face this restriction for several years after passing their driving test. How long new drivers would have to wait before pulling an all-nighter is still unknown, but expect it to last a few years.

EU-Wide Reforms

Wait, there’s more. The DGT and the EU are also planning to roll out a digital driving license, meaning there will soon be no more paper licenses. Everything will go digital across the continent.

Cross-Border Crackdown

Authorities want to make sure penalties stick no matter where drivers go in Europe. This means there will be no more skipping fines by crossing borders.

Are these changes positive, or is Big Brother closing the net?

Should new drivers be banned from driving at night until they have gained some real road experience?

Should drivers be entitled to drive recklessly in one country and then potentially escape penalties by leaving to another country?

You decide.