DGT and Civil Guard Step Up Tunnel Overtaking Enforcement
The Spanish Civil Guard and the DGT have intensified surveillance of illegal overtaking in tunnels, warning that such maneuvers are strictly prohibited and carry fines of up to 600 euros and the loss of six license points.
Safety in underground infrastructure is once again a top priority for the Civil Guard and the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), which have stepped up surveillance of overtaking in tunnels. This crackdown aims to reduce accidents in areas where the road layout leaves little room for error or emergency maneuvers.
Under Article 87 of the General Traffic Regulations, overtaking is strictly prohibited in tunnels, underpasses, and sections marked with an S-5 sign that have only one lane in each direction. This rule exists because the confined space and limited visibility significantly increase the risk of a collision. The DGT clarifies that overtaking is only allowed if the road has multiple lanes in the same direction, provided the driver does not cross into the opposite lane and can do so safely.
Breaking these rules carries serious penalties. Authorities classify illegal overtaking as a major infraction, punishable by a 600-euro fine and the loss of 6 points from the driver's license, particularly if the maneuver is reckless or involves driving in the oncoming lane.
Drivers and motorcyclists must plan any overtaking carefully: use signals, maintain a safe distance, and strictly follow speed limits, which are typically set at 80 km/h in these sections. Beyond avoiding fines, the DGT emphasizes that driver awareness is essential. Many drivers underestimate the dangers of tunnels, where the physical reality of the environment is far more hazardous than it often appears.