Spain’s General Directorate of Roads (DGT) has introduced new road markings – a solid red line – in a bid to improve road safety, warning British drivers in Spain to pay attention to the markings.
Red lines complement the traditional white lines and are designed to reduce accidents in high-risk areas by ensuring that overtaking is prohibited on key sections of the road.
The new logo was unveiled following a comprehensive analysis of accidents on traditional roads, where, according to the Mallorca Daily Bulletin, the highest rate of serious accidents occurs.
British tourists planning a trip to Spain in the near future should be aware that the pilot project is being implemented across Spain, with locations chosen based on research into driver behaviour and accident statistics. For example, a 26-mile stretch of the A-355 near Coin, Malaga (near Marbella) has been fitted with new signs.
The stretch of road known as the “highway of death” has seen 10 deaths in the past 12 months. Despite safety improvements including upgraded barriers and extra signs, the A355 has been plagued by crashes since it opened a decade ago.
The road was originally designed to handle 7,000 vehicles a day, but now sees almost three times that number of vehicles daily, the majority of which are heavy goods vehicles.
According to Express, the new red lines in Spain are equivalent to the double solid white lines in the UK and also indicate a ban on overtaking, especially on sharp bends or hills where overtaking could be dangerous.
Under Article 128 of the Highway Code, when the solid line closest to you becomes broken, you can cross the solid line to overtake if it is safe to do so and you can do so before you reach the solid line on your side. RACE reiterated that breaking the overtaking ban, regardless of the colour of the solid line, can result in a fine of up to €400 (£340) and four points on your licence.
The fine is set out in the General Highway Traffic Regulations and applies to both white lines and the new red lines. The introduction of red lines is part of a wider strategy to improve road safety, which includes additional measures such as the installation of new speed radars, increased awareness campaigns and a greater police presence on secondary roads.
Post time: Jun-13-2025