Fundamental Concepts for the Driver
To drive safely and legally, it is essential to master a series of basic concepts that define who we are on the road and how we interact with it. These concepts are the foundation for understanding the rest of the regulations.
The Pedestrian and Their Movement
A pedestrian is considered to be any person travelling on foot along public roads. Their safety depends on knowing and applying specific traffic rules:
- Outside built-up areas: As a general rule, pedestrians must walk on the left in order to see approaching vehicles from the front. At night on these roads, it is mandatory to wear a luminous or reflective element visible at a minimum distance of 150 metres.
- Walking on the right: Exceptionally, supervised groups of pedestrians, people pushing a two-wheeled vehicle (such as a moped or a bicycle), and people in wheelchairs shall walk on the right.
It is important to note that users of skateboards or skates may not be towed by other vehicles under any circumstances.
Vehicle Masses and Weights
Understanding the difference between the various types of vehicle mass is crucial, since many rules regarding speed, road access, or traffic signs depend on it.
- Tare: The weight of the vehicle when empty, that is, without load or occupants, but with its full supply of fuel, lubricants, and tools.
- Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA): The maximum total weight at which a vehicle is permitted to circulate, including tare, load, and occupants. Exceeding the MMA is strictly prohibited and grounds for sanction.
For example, many prohibition signs for trucks apply to those whose MMA exceeds 3,500 kg, regardless of whether at that moment they are travelling empty or loaded.
Type Approval and Documentation
Every vehicle, as well as its main components (brakes, lights, seat belts), must be type-approved, meaning it has passed a series of tests certifying that it complies with technical and safety regulations. The vehicle's technical information is recorded on the Technical Inspection Card (ITV), a mandatory document. Any significant modification to the vehicle, such as installing a tow hook, must be legalised and noted on this card.
Classification of Roads
Traffic rules vary significantly depending on the type of road we are travelling on. They are mainly divided into urban and interurban roads.
Urban and Interurban Roads
- Urban Roads: These are roads located within a built-up area, such as streets and avenues. A stretch of road that crosses a population centre is called a travesía (urban crossing) and the rules for built-up areas apply to it.
- Interurban Roads: All roads outside built-up areas. They are classified into motorways (autopistas), dual carriageways (autovías), and conventional roads.
Motorways and Dual Carriageways
These are the safest roads to drive on due to their design characteristics. The sign indicating the start of a motorway or dual carriageway is rectangular and blue.
- Motorway (Autopista): Designed for high-speed travel. It has no level crossings with other roads and its carriageways are separated by a central reservation. Access control is very strict.
- Dual Carriageway (Autovía): Very similar to a motorway, but may have accesses from adjoining properties and sometimes results from the upgrading of older roads.
For safety reasons, pedestrians, mopeds (since they do not reach the minimum speed of 60 km/h), and, as a general rule, cyclists are prohibited from travelling on motorways and dual carriageways. However, cyclists over 14 years of age may ride on the hard shoulders of dual carriageways, unless a sign expressly prohibits it.
Parts of the Road and Special Lanes
The road is made up of several parts:
- Carriageway: The part intended for vehicle traffic.
- Lane: Each of the longitudinal strips into which the carriageway is divided.
- Hard shoulder: The strip located next to the carriageway. As a general rule, it should not be used for driving. It is reserved for emergencies or for the circulation of certain vehicles such as mopeds on conventional roads with a passable hard shoulder.
There are lanes with restricted use:
- BUS Lane: Reserved for buses and authorised vehicles. It is forbidden to enter it, even to overtake.
- High-Occupancy Vehicle Lane (BUS-VAO): Its use is limited to motorcycles, passenger cars, and adaptable mixed-use vehicles carrying the minimum number of occupants indicated. Its use is prohibited for mopeds and for any passenger car towing a trailer, even a light one.
Types of Vehicles and Their Rules
One of the most important distinctions in the traffic regulations is that made between motor vehicles and those which, although they have an engine, are not considered as such for legal purposes.
Vehicles "Not Considered Motor Vehicles"
This category is a common source of trick questions on the exam. Although they have an engine, the law applies different rules to them.
- Moped: A two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicle with an engine of cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc and a maximum speed by construction not exceeding 45 km/h. They are prohibited from travelling on motorways and dual carriageways.
- Vehicle for persons with reduced mobility: With characteristics similar to a moped.
- Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP): Such as electric scooters. They may not travel on pavements and are prohibited from being towed by other vehicles.
Motor Vehicles
These are automobiles designed for the transport of people or goods. The most common are:
- Motorcycle: A two-wheeled vehicle with an engine of cylinder capacity greater than 50 cc or one that exceeds 45 km/h. The front brake is operated with the right-hand lever. The use of a helmet is mandatory, except on motorcycles with a self-protection structure and seat belt. The passenger must be at least 12 years old (or 7 if travelling with their parents/guardians) and must sit astride with their feet on the footrests.
- Passenger Car (Turismo): A motor vehicle intended for the transport of people with a maximum of 9 seats, including the driver.
- Bus or Coach: A vehicle for transporting people with more than 9 seats, including the driver.
- Truck and Van: Intended for the transport of goods.
Non-Motorised Vehicles
- Trailer: A non-self-propelled vehicle designed to be towed by a motor vehicle. A distinction is made between a light trailer (MMA up to 750 kg) and a non-light trailer (MMA over 750 kg).
- Bicycle: An adult may carry a child of up to 7 years of age in an additional approved seat.
Rules on Vehicles and Equipment
It is mandatory for every passenger car to be equipped, at minimum, with the left exterior rear-view mirror. If the interior rear-view mirror is rendered useless by the load, it is mandatory to carry two exterior rear-view mirrors, one on each side. Driving with a free exhaust system or exceeding the permitted noise or gas emission limits is prohibited and may be grounds for the immobilisation of the vehicle.