New traffic laws

Let’s hope that the new laws are complied with, especially those riding electric scooters

Spain will this year be tightening its traffic laws and that means electric scooters | Photo: EFE

Humphrey CarterPalma15/01/2022 11:13

It was recently proven that customised electric scooters can reach maximum speeds of 125 kilometres per hour, imagine getting hit by one of those.

However, it would appear that riding electric scooters is no longer going to be much fun, no more zipping on and off pavements and helmets are going to become compulsory as part of new traffic laws coming into force this year.

Alcohol ignition interlock devices in new passenger transport vehicles, mandatory helmets for drivers of electric scooters and new speed limits for overtaking other vehicles are among the positive developments.

All new minibuses designed to carry more than eight people, buses and coaches will have to be equipped with an alcohol ignition interlock device in 2022, which coincides with new European Union rules which impose an interface for such a device on all new types of road vehicles and this eventually apply to all new cars in a fresh attempt to crackdown on drinking and driving.

And drivers of all vehicles under the age of 18 will be subject to a zero-tolerance blood alcohol limit.

There will also be more severe penalties for failing to wear seat belts and using a mobile phone while driving and all this has been welcomed by the European Union which has praised Spain for setting an example on road safety.

Let’s hope that the new laws are complied with, especially those riding electric scooters.