Spanish Authorities Launch Crackdown on Tailgating to Improve Road Safety
Spanish authorities have launched a new campaign targeting tailgating, warning drivers that failing to maintain a safe following distance can result in a 200-euro fine and the loss of four license points.
Road safety is back in the spotlight after the DGT and the Civil Guard announced increased surveillance on one of the most dangerous driving habits: tailgating. Using International Chewing Gum Day as a creative hook, authorities are warning drivers about the risks of "chewing gum cars"—those that stick too closely to the vehicle in front.
Beyond the clever campaign, the message is serious. Rear-end collisions remain a major cause of accidents. Under traffic regulations, drivers are legally required to leave enough space to stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly. This distance isn't fixed; it must be adjusted based on your speed, the road surface, and weather conditions. Additionally, heavy vehicles or those longer than ten meters must maintain a minimum gap of 50 meters to allow others to overtake safely.
Failing to keep a safe distance is more than just a bad habit; it is a serious traffic offense. Drivers caught tailgating face a 200-euro fine and the loss of four points from their license. In extreme cases, where the behavior puts others in clear danger, it may even be classified as reckless driving, which carries criminal consequences.
Road safety experts stress that maintaining a proper following distance is the best way to prevent chain-reaction accidents and traffic congestion. Authorities are urging drivers to break these bad habits, reminding everyone that safe driving is a shared responsibility.