DGT Warns Drivers of Fines for Ignoring New S-991f Safety Distance Sign
Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic is warning drivers that failing to adhere to the S-991f sign, which indicates automated monitoring of safe following distances, can result in fines of up to 500 euros and the loss of license points.
The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has updated its road signage to keep pace with modern mobility and technology. One sign that many drivers still don't recognize is the S-991f. This blue sign, which features icons of a car, a truck, and a motorcycle, warns drivers that automated systems are monitoring the safety distance between vehicles.
Failing to recognize this sign is not just a safety risk; it can also lead to heavy penalties. Under current regulations, not maintaining a safe distance is a serious offense. It can result in a 200-euro fine and the loss of four license points. If authorities deem the driving reckless or particularly dangerous, the fine can rise to 500 euros and six points.
Traffic regulations state that drivers must leave enough space to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, taking into account speed and road conditions. While the S-991f sign is often linked to a 70-meter requirement, this distance can change depending on specific signs posted in the area.
To stay safe, the DGT recommends the "two-second rule." Pick a fixed object on the road and ensure at least two seconds pass between the vehicle in front of you and your car reaching that same point. Keep in mind that this is a baseline for ideal conditions; in rain, fog, or snow, you must increase your following distance to account for reduced tire grip.
These new signs are part of a broader effort to modernize traffic safety in Spain. By using distance-monitoring technology, the DGT aims to curb the risky driving habits that frequently lead to rear-end collisions.