We already have a new Traffic Law and new details to take into account to avoid the famous DGT fines. Drivers of cars and motorcycles, as well as users of electric bikes or scooters, must be up to date with the new regulation that applies to all users. The fact of ignoring the norm will not save many from the more than probable fines that arrive from now on.
The Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety enters into force today, after receiving the go-ahead on December 21. Except for any exception in any of the regulations – which extend the term to the next few months – you should be aware of the new fines from the DGT.
In general, the objective is for us to go more slowly and for drivers to take into account other road users. The thing is no longer just about cars and motorcycles, now electric scooters and bikes come into play and become protagonists. Not only for your protection, but also in the list of fines for violations.
Star fines of the DGT: be careful with using the mobile and radar detector
No objections: 6 card points and a 200 euro fine. The concept? Simply hold the mobile in your hand. Here is one of the big changes in the list of fines of the DGT motivated by the problems that the use of technology has brought to the roads. The mobile is one of the motivators of the biggest oversights inside the car.
Until now it meant 3 points and 200 euros for using the mobile while driving. The classic search in Google Maps or change the music. With the change, a traffic camera can catch you picking up the mobile and automatically be sanctioned.
In addition, and going through the technological area, the fines of the DGT also go to the radar detectors. If the vehicle has a radar detector installed – whether it is being used or not – 3 license points and 200 euros will be lost. If we add radar inhibitors, the account goes up to 6,000 euros and 6 card points.
Go for electric scooters and bikes
It is not a novelty, the DGT has been behind a single focused regulation for some time and exclusively to electric scooters and bicycles. Those known as the VMP (Personal Mobility Vehicles), now, enter the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety and, therefore, in the possible traffic fines and the DGT.
The first approach was at the end of 2020. The new regulation for electric scooters of the DGT included a kind of ITV for these vehicles, as well as the limitation to circulate on sidewalks or without a helmet. Failure to comply with this rule will imply a fine of 200 euros. It is not clear if this rule also applies to shared mobility companies, but Spin – now owned by Tier – already included a sidewalk blocking system. Its buyer, in addition to boasting similar technology, also has an integrated helmet for shared use.
Once again, the DGT’s text of fines includes a ban on these vehicles for circulate on sidewalks. Of course, also on other roads intended only for large vehicles: highways and motorways.
In parallel, and to protect the circulation of these vehicles, those who break into the areas designated for VMP are fined. 200 euros for breaking into a bike lane and another 200 for not overtaking a cyclist occupying the entire opposite lane.
More fines from the DGT: no alcohol in the VMP
This measure is highly controversial. The new regulation of fines of the DGT includes an epigraph for which some electric scooter companies have already prepared. An alcohol detection system that prevents moving the scooters and starting the reservation. Specifically, Bolt scooters implemented this system in October 2021.
Despite the fact that the DGT rule applies, for the time being, to minors, the Estonian company has been putting it into practice for all its users. If the test is not passed, the scooter cannot be used. In fact, the new text provides legal coverage for these mechanisms, which must be mandatory use from July 2022. So from now on, all scooter apps are likely to start asking you if you’ve had a drink or not.
The fines imposed by the DGT can go up to 500 euros.
End of the additional 20 km/h
This measure may be familiar to those who got their driving license a few years ago and is perhaps the one that gives rise to the most fines from the DGT. Mainly due to ignorance, also because its implementation will allow a greater implementation of radars on secondary roads. It is pure controversy.
We refer to that speed limit exception that allowed, on conventional roads and secondary roadsexceed the maximum limit allowed another 20 km / h to be able to overtake a vehicle on the road. End of measurement. The limit, to overtake or not, will be the one that marks officially. Without exceptions.
The first step was to lower this maximum to 90 km/h, which already included permission to overtake other vehicles. Now, and after the last update of DGT fines, this measure passes to a better life.
