A great day in the snow can turn into your worst nightmare. As in snowy areas and on ski slopes the temperatures are quite low and we move, sometimes, during short journeys by car, many drivers do not take off their coat to drive. The General Traffic Regulations of the DGT stipulate that the driver’s clothing must give him freedom of movement, so failure to comply with this can lead to fines of 100 euros. In the event that such clothing entails negligent driving, would raise the fine to 200 euros.
Obviously, in areas with regular snowfall, ice or adverse conditions that are reflected on the road, the use of the appropriate tires is vital and mandatory. The DGT usually informs about the needs of a road that suffers from frost or snow, such as the use of chains. Depending on the snow on a track, winter tires or chains are required, and not carrying them can lead to a 200-euro fine.
Although many may be surprised, according to article 84 of the DGT Traffic Law, agents have the ability to immobilize the car if it has “deficiencies that constitute a particularly serious risk to road safety.” That is, if the front window is so dirty that it barely allows visibility, the fine can reach 200 euros. The same goes for the state of the wiper, 80 euros if it does not work properly.
If, in addition, the car is so dirty that not even the license plate numbers can be distinguished, the DGT considers it as a reason for an infraction and entails a financial penalty. In the case of conscientiously handling the plate, the fine will be 6,000 euros and 6 points Except for the driver’s license. So be very careful with the snow that accumulates in our car, or the dirt that it causes after several kilometers traveled.
Be very careful also when leaving backpacks, bags or ski equipment in the back seat of the car as it is an infraction. It is reflected in article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations (RGC), which states that the load transported in a vehicle must not “drag, fall totally or partially or move in a dangerous way”. In that same section it is specified that the load cannot “compromise the stability of the vehicle” or can entail a fine of 200 euros.
Finally, and although if you do not have more luggage in the trunk you can use the roof of the car, for example to carry the skis, be very careful because to load the roof you must also comply with regulations regarding its dimensions. Failure to comply can lead to a fine from the DGT of 500 euros and a loss of 4 points from the card.
And it is that carrying the load incorrectly can be dangerous on the road. It is crucial to comply with security measures because otherwise all passengers travel in the car “you will be exposed to serious injuries, even fatal, if an incident occurs.”