Just what we need: More Driving Misery
As we all know by now the police have their marching orders to hand out denuncias (tickets) in greater volume in order to bring in money for the town treasury. This they should do by all means (legally, I hope) possible.
The one weakness of all who drive on Spanish roads is to take heed of those speed signs that require us to reduce our speeds. I am willing to bet that if there are two drivers in all of Spain who follow these instructions to the letter, then they are the only two, and that they are seen as a real nuisances. In fact, the way that traffic signs are set out, in most cases they are not even intended to be adhered to exactly. The driver would have to practically stand on the brakes in order to slow as rapidly as required.
However, be warned! Especially in road work zones, hidden radar machines are being employed to record speeds, and the problem here is that generally speaking if your speed is 50% greater than the speed indicated the fine will be at least 200 euros, plus points lost from your driving permit.
The lower numbers are the most difficult ones, because if the speed mandated is 40 and you are travelling at 61, your offence is grave, and worse still when the limit is 20 and you are travelling at 41.
We will have to learn driving discipline like stopping and remaining stationary for a red light even though there is no-one crossing the street. I hope you will take this as fair warning and be aware.
Copyright © 2010 Eugene Carmichael
As we all know by now the police have their marching orders to hand out denuncias (tickets) in greater volume in order to bring in money for the town treasury. This they should do by all means (legally, I hope) possible.
The one weakness of all who drive on Spanish roads is to take heed of those speed signs that require us to reduce our speeds. I am willing to bet that if there are two drivers in all of Spain who follow these instructions to the letter, then they are the only two, and that they are seen as a real nuisances. In fact, the way that traffic signs are set out, in most cases they are not even intended to be adhered to exactly. The driver would have to practically stand on the brakes in order to slow as rapidly as required.
However, be warned! Especially in road work zones, hidden radar machines are being employed to record speeds, and the problem here is that generally speaking if your speed is 50% greater than the speed indicated the fine will be at least 200 euros, plus points lost from your driving permit.
The lower numbers are the most difficult ones, because if the speed mandated is 40 and you are travelling at 61, your offence is grave, and worse still when the limit is 20 and you are travelling at 41.
We will have to learn driving discipline like stopping and remaining stationary for a red light even though there is no-one crossing the street. I hope you will take this as fair warning and be aware.
Copyright © 2010 Eugene Carmichael
