The end of the state of alarm has put an end to mobility limitations, so that, a priori and unless there is regrowth, it is possible to circulate throughout the Spanish territory without restrictions.
This means that this summer the roads can collapse on the usual dates of departure and return from vacations and, to minimize traffic jams, the DGT often uses tools such as lanes to lighten the flow of traffic. We review the types of lanes you can find and how you should drive through them to save yourself a fine.
The first thing to keep in mind is that there are different methods to promote traffic circulation in congestions. In essence, we find four types: lanes in the opposite direction to the usual, additional lanes, reversible lanes and BUS-VAO lanes.
What are their differences? Are all vehicles allowed to drive through them? Should we turn on the lights? Are the maximum speed limited? What maneuvers are allowed? We review the main doubts.
Lane opposite to usual
It is provisionally placed on roads with more than one lane in each direction and its objective, in general, is usually to alleviate traffic or save a section of road cut by works. For example, it is common to find it at the entrance and exit of large cities, as they tend to have high volumes of traffic due to their larger population.
How are they marked?
They are delimited by cones and variable signage is usually used to announce them, as well as to indicate the kilometer where it starts or ends and the maximum speed at which you can drive. In addition, they can be accompanied by provisional directional panels and the entrances and exits can be delimited by beacons.
What vehicles can circulate and how?
They can only be used by cars without a trailer or motorcycles, except if it is placed for work reasons: in this case, any type of vehicle can circulate, unless expressly prohibited.
Likewise:
- At least the low beam must be switched on, either day or night.
- The maximum speed is 80 km/h and the minimum is 60 km / h, although it may be lower if it is specifically established or signposted.
What maneuvers are allowed?
In this type of lane, you can not pass or cross the line of cones.
Also…
In the case of driving on a lane next to a provisional lane in the opposite direction to the usual route, the dipped beam headlamps must also be activated and the speed must be between 60 km / h and 80 km / h. However, if there is more than one lane for this direction, the limit set for the road applies.
Additional lanes
Unlike the previous ones, this type of lane is usually located on two-way roads, that is, conventional ones, and involves adding a single additional lane using the shoulder surface and whenever the width of the shoulder and carriageway allows it.
Thus, a road with only two directions increases to three, with two lanes in one direction and another in the opposite. And again, their goal is also to decongest a given road.
How are they marked?
They are also delimited by provisional signaling elements, such as cones or beacons, that modify the rolling area.
What vehicles can circulate and how?
Any vehicle can circulate through an additional lane, except those that are obliged to go on the shoulder in normal conditions, that is: bicycles, mopeds, special vehicles of less than 3,500 kilos, animal-drawn vehicles or damaged vehicles also less than 3,500 kilos.
Similarly,
- It is mandatory to have at least the dipped headlights on, whether day or night.
- The maximum speed is 80 km/h and the minimum is 60 km / h, although it may be lower if it is specifically established or signposted.
What maneuvers are allowed?
Turning left from the additional lane is expressly prohibited, as it involves crossing the line of cones.
Reversible rails
Unlike the previous ones, these types of lanes are not provisional but can be bidirectional as the traffic situation requires. They are normally found on urban roads.
How are they marked?
By road markings, being delimited by double dashed lines on both sides. In addition, by means of variable signaling or traffic lights, it is indicated which direction is currently active.
What vehicles can circulate and how?
- Any vehicle suitable for driving on the road on which they are located can use them.
- They do not have specific speed, so the minimum and maximum speed is marked by the general type of road.
- It is compulsory to have the low beam on, whether at night or during the day.
What maneuvers are allowed?
Reversible lanes can be used for overtaking, provided that you are driving in the same direction as is obvious. In addition, in no case may it be invaded or circulated in the lane to the left of the reversible.
BUS-VAO lanes
Like the reversible ones, the so-called ‘High Occupancy Vehicle’ (VAO) lanes are not provisional and are adapted to the traffic conditions, and may vary in direction, time or the minimum number of passengers allowed.
They are intended for passenger transport vehicles, therefore motorcycles, automobiles, mixed vehicles or buses, and, as a general rule, they are required to carry more than one occupant, although this can be modified depending on the situation.
Likewise, vehicles with the environmental label ZERO, electric or plug-in hybrids with more than 40 kilometers of electric autonomy, can circulate through them regardless of their number of occupants.
As regards the maximum speed allowed, it is the same as that of the road on which it is located, unless otherwise indicated.
Can I be fined for improperly driving through these lanes?
In these lanes, the Traffic Regulation is applied based on their specific specifications, so we may incur infractions if we do not comply with the applied regulations, for example, if we invade the adjacent lane, do not turn on the lights or drive at a higher speed or less than allowed in them.
- Circulate in the opposite direction to that indicated in the provisional or reversible lanes: the law establishes that “the cases of circulation in the opposite direction to that stipulated will be considered very serious infractions”. The fine is 500 euros.
- Driving above 80 km/h: if the speed established in this type of lane is exceeded, it is considered a serious or very serious offense, depending on what the speed is and may or may not mean the subtraction of points, in addition to the economic sanction, which ranges between 200 euros and 500 euros.
SPEED | TYPE OF INFRINGEMENT | PENALTY FEE | POINTS |
---|---|---|---|
81 – 110 km / h | Serious | 200 euros | – |
111 – 130 km / h | Serious | 200 euros | two |
131 – 140 km / h | Serious | 200 euros | 4 |
141 – 150 km / h | Serious | 200 euros | 6 |
151 km / h or more | Very serious | 500 euros | 6 |
- Driving without the dipped beam headlights on: not using regulatory lighting is considered a serious fault. The fine is 200 euros.