Parking pitfalls: Avoid a costly fine in Spain for this common driving mistake

Many cities in Spain will penalise motorists if they parallel park too close to other cars

Parking in Spanish cities can sometimes be a nightmare, especially when drivers return to their vehicles to find that another car has pulled in too close, making it difficult or sometimes virtually impossible to leave the parking spot. But did you know that this common problem can potentially lead to hefty fines? According to municipal ordinances, parking too close to another vehicle can cost drivers between 80 and 200 euros.

The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) considers this offense a lack of civility and warns that inconsiderate parking will be punished.

So, how much space is enough space between parked cars? While there is no specific legal requirement, the Associated European Motorists (AEA) recommends leaving at least 30 centimetres between vehicles as a common courtesy.

Moreover, Article 91 of the General Traffic Regulations states that “stopping and parking must be carried out in such a way that the vehicle does not obstruct traffic or constitute a risk for the rest of the road users.” Therefore, the amount of space needed will depend on the location and circumstances.

To avoid getting fined, drivers should always follow these guidelines when parallel parking:

1. Signal your intentions to park by indicating
2. Stop perpendicular to the parked cars and place yourself approximately one metre away
3. Align your rear bumper with the parked car and turn right. Use your mirrors to ensure you won’t hit other vehicles
4. Parallel park your car, leaving enough space between vehicles
5. Carefully open your doors to avoid hitting nearby cars, passing bicycles or pedestrians

What distance should be left between cars while driving?

To determine a safe following distance while driving, the DGT Traffic suggests using what’s known as the ‘1,101’ method.

Choose a reference point on the road and count from 1,101 to 1,103 as the vehicle in front of you passes by. If you haven’t reached the reference point by the end of the count, you have the correct safety distance.

Another approach is to remove a zero from your current speed and square it. For example, if you’re driving at 90 km/h, the result of 9 x 9 = 81 gives you the approximate number of metres you should maintain between your vehicle and the one ahead.

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