When driving on roads in Spain, whether a resident or a tourist on the ‘wrong side of the road’, we tend to particularly look out for possible traffic jams and monitor our speed, however, the DGT is now enforcing their rules regarding misuse of the left hand lane which has a particular effect in the Canary Islands where most of the motorways are only two lanes.
According to data from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), the percentage of use of the right lane only reaches 60% on two lane highways, with what is known as 'left lane syndrome' whose misuse causes more traffic jams and accidents, which is why traffic regulations state that the left lane is only for overtaking, and we should always drive on the right.
The General Traffic Regulations are very clear about this and now even the DGT is getting serious, beginning to fine for misuse, i.e. when we drive on roads with several lanes in each direction, we must go to the right as much as possible. The rest of the lanes on your left are for overtaking, taking an exit on that side or if there is no other way to circulate in the event of heavy traffic or an accident.
Fines are already being issued starting at 80 euros
The DGT says it is mandatory to drive in the right lane as long as it is free if you do not want to overtake. Strictly speaking, those who travel on the left and centre lanes can be punished while the right is free, especially if the movement of other vehicles is hindered, and if you drive for more than 300 metres in the outside lane with the inside one empty.
Also, you cannot overtake on the right (called undertaking). On the right-most lane, it is not allowed to pass cars that are moving slower on our left. Doing so is considered a serious offence according to article 82, chapter VII, of the General Traffic Regulations.
Therefore, on a three-lane motorway to overtake a slower car travelling in the middle lane, you have to change to the adjoining left lane, and then finish the manoeuvre by returning to the right lane.
