Tenerife Authorities Step Up Enforcement of 1.5-Meter Overtaking Rule for Cyclists
Tenerife authorities are intensifying enforcement of the 1.5-meter overtaking rule to improve cyclist safety and reduce accidents on the island's secondary roads.
Road safety on Tenerife’s secondary roads is back in the spotlight following new warnings from the Civil Guard. With the island’s mild weather encouraging more people to cycle, authorities are stepping up their efforts to educate drivers and monitor overtaking—a maneuver that remains a leading cause of accidents in rural and suburban areas.
At the heart of this campaign is the S-891 road sign. These signs serve as a permanent reminder that drivers must maintain a safe distance when passing vulnerable road users. Under current traffic regulations, drivers are legally required to leave a minimum gap of 1.5 meters when overtaking cyclists. If passing a group, this distance must be measured from the cyclist closest to the center of the road.
Failing to follow these rules is dangerous and carries serious penalties. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) classifies unsafe overtaking as a serious offense, punishable by a 200-euro fine and the loss of six points from the driver’s license.
Ultimately, officials emphasize that these measures are about more than just enforcement; they are designed to ensure that motor vehicles and bicycles can share the road safely. Protecting cyclists is a top priority in Spain’s ongoing efforts to reduce road fatalities and create a safer environment for everyone.