Parking the car without switching off the engine could carry a €100 fine

Parking the car without switching off the engine could result in a €100 fine if the reform of the Law on Traffic, Motor Vehicle Circulation and Road Safety is finally approved next September. Parking a vehicle without switching off the engine is considered a minor offence. This penalty could come into force if Congress votes in favour in the coming weeks.

Article 10 of the new Sustainable Mobility Ordinance will establish that “the driver must switch off the engine from the moment the vehicle is parked, even if they remain inside the vehicle”. Failure to comply with this article would be punishable by a €100 fine.

Parking the car without switching off the engine could carry a €100 penalty

It is important to note that this penalty will not apply to zero-emission vehicles and those providing public services. This future penalty refers to stops made by drivers in double parking to pick up other people or to carry out some errand. As planned, officers will allow a two-minute margin to compensate for the possible wear that the starter motor would suffer from constant stopping.

In addition to this penalty, the new traffic regulations will also increase the penalties for using a smartphone, for speeding and for using radar detection devices. Likewise, a vote will be held on making helmets compulsory for electric scooter users in order to prevent possible injuries in the event of an accident. If this measure is approved, electric scooter users will have to carry the vehicle’s certificate with them.

It is important to note that the removal of the 20 km/h extra allowance for overtaking on conventional roads will also be put to a vote. The fine for the alleged infringement of this future regulation would not carry points deduction but would involve a €100 financial penalty.