Rain pain in Spain. Why driving in the wet could land you a €200 fine – even if you’re careful.Concept image of a car sinking into the water caused by heavy rain. Dangerous to drive, exclamation mark signage. Contemporary abstract art collage with custom texture.Credit: Shutterstock, Collagery
Motorists warned as DGT cracks down on rainy day driving sins. A rainy day behind the wheel could leave you drenched… in fines. And no, we’re not just talking about speeders or mobile phone users. It’s your windscreen wipers, dirty windows and even puddle splashes that could land you in hot water.
With rain hammering down across Spain, traffic cops are on the lookout – not for the usual suspects, but for lesser-known driving slip-ups that could still land you with a hefty fine. So, what are the rules in Spain when the heavens open up? Here’s what you need to know before your next soggy school run or wet weekend getaway.
Dirty windows = €80 fine
If your windscreen is smeared, streaked, or fogged up to the point it affects your view of the road, the DGT can hit you with an €80 fine. That includes worn-out wipers, which, if found in poor condition, are also punishable. You won’t lose licence points, but it’s a pricey oversight that could be easily avoided with a bit of basic maintenance.
Splash and dash? Not so fast comedian…
Think it’s funny to fly through a puddle and soak an unsuspecting pedestrian? The law is not amused.
According to Article 46 of the General Traffic Regulations, drivers must reduce speed if there’s a risk of splashing water or gravel onto others. Fail to show restraint and you could be fined up to €200.
It might sound dramatic, but the rule is there to protect pedestrians from unnecessary hazards – and soggy socks.
Fog lights on, demisters ready
If it’s pouring it down, it’s not just your umbrella that needs to be ready. The DGT recommends switching on your vehicle’s lights as soon as it starts raining. And if visibility takes a nosedive, it’s time to activate those fog lights.
Inside the car, steamed-up windows can be a nightmare – especially for smokers, whose cars are more prone to fogged-up windscreens. Experts recommend regularly cleaning the inside glass to remove grime and grease, which contributes to condensation.
The bottom line?
Stay clean, stay dry, stay fine-free. Rainy days mean more than slippery roads – they come with surprise rules that many drivers forget. But ignorance won’t get you off the hook.
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