Blocking cyclists: this is the new DGT fine that could come into force this weekend

The new Traffic Law is still in the works, although it could possibly be approved next Thursday. For several months now, the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has been working on it, and some sources suggest that the new Traffic Law could come into force this very weekend. This would also mean that a new penalty related to obstructing cyclists would take effect. Fines for obstructing cyclists will be classed as serious.

This weekend could turn into a real nightmare for many drivers, as the future Traffic Law aims to increase protection for cyclists, pedestrians, personal mobility vehicles and even motorcyclists. The new DGT fine, designed to improve cyclist safety, could carry a penalty of up to €200 and the loss of up to six points from the driving licence.

This is what the new DGT fine for obstructing cyclists would look like

From next Thursday onwards, parking or stopping in a bike lane will be prohibited and classed as a serious offence. This means it will carry a financial penalty of up to €200. The text sent to the Congress of Deputies will be ratified next Thursday. The revision of the table of serious offences in the Traffic Law is also now included. It amends article 76 in its section d, which will now read as follows:

“Stopping or parking in bus lanes, in cycle lanes or tracks, on bends, at changes in gradient, in disabled parking zones, in tunnels, under underpasses, at junctions, or in any other dangerous place or one where traffic is seriously obstructed or which poses a risk, especially to pedestrians.”

In addition, once the new regulation comes into force, overtaking in a way that endangers or obstructs cyclists will carry the loss of up to six points from the driving licence. Until now, this meant the loss of four points. It is worth noting that the new Traffic Law will also introduce a ban on overtaking cyclists without respecting the safe distance of 1.5 metres. This can be checked in Annex II of the Traffic Law.

The text to be approved next Thursday in the Congress of Deputies states that “12. Overtaking in a way that endangers or obstructs cyclists, or without leaving a minimum separation of 1.5 metres: loss of 6 points”. This new reform has been in the works for quite some time and aims to introduce measures that increase the safety of the most vulnerable groups, as the Directorate-General for Traffic states.