The Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has introduced a new road safety measure: the continuous red line. This new type of road marking is being implemented on particularly dangerous stretches of road in an effort to reduce accidents and fatalities.
Traditionally, drivers are accustomed to seeing a continuous white line, which indicates that overtaking is not allowed. However, the new red line aims to increase road safety by capturing drivers' attention more effectively, particularly in hazardous areas. According to the DGT, this measure could potentially reduce accidents on secondary roads by up to 30%.
The DGT has explained that the introduction of the red line is part of a broader initiative to modernise road infrastructure, with a focus on areas with a high incidence of accidents.
The pilot scheme for this new road marking has been launched in Andalusia, specifically on a section of the A-355 road between Coín and Marbella in Málaga, and is expected to be introduced across the country, including the Canary Islands, later in the year.
In these designated red-line zones, overtaking is strictly prohibited. Violating this rule could lead to a fine of up to €400 and the loss of four points from the driver’s licence.
The initiative is inspired by similar road safety strategies in other European countries, where the use of bright and distinct colours in road markings has proven effective in significantly reducing accident rates.
