Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is set to impose a €200 fine on drivers caught performing a specific, hazardous manoeuvre on motorways and city access routes. A new automatic camera system has been rolled out to identify and penalise those who breach traffic regulations, particularly targeting a common yet risky practice that has historically been challenging to enforce rigorously.
This measure specifically addresses drivers who switch lanes prematurely in areas marked by a continuous white line. It targets vehicles moving from a congested slip road or auxiliary lane into the main carriageway before it is legally permissible. Such behaviour poses significant risks, frequently leading to side-on collisions and sudden braking, especially during peak hours and at entry points to major urban centres.
Technological Enforcement
The innovative system employs two synchronised cameras strategically positioned along the road. One camera monitors the access or auxiliary lane, while the other covers the main carriageway, ensuring comprehensive surveillance. This setup allows for the complete video sequence of a vehicle's movement to be captured, pinpointing the exact moment a lane change occurs.
Crucially, the device detects any crossing made within a section delimited by a continuous line, which legally prohibits lane changes until the marking ends. When both cameras capture the same vehicle performing this action, the infraction is recorded objectively, leaving no room for dispute. The cameras are capable of clearly registering the vehicle's number plate from both angles, providing irrefutable evidence and streamlining the enforcement process against offenders.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Improper lane changes across a continuous line are classified as a serious infraction under Spanish traffic law. The significant development is that these automated cameras have expanded the scope of sanctionable manoeuvres, reacting swiftly and without human error. The penalty for this specific offence is a €200 monetary fine. It is important to note that, while substantial, this particular infraction does not result in a loss of points from the driving licence; however, compliance with the sanction is mandatory to avoid further legal proceedings.