Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The point system for drivers in Spain

In Spain, everyone starts with 12 points on their license. Each time there is an infraction, they loose points. When they have zero points, they are in danger of  loosing their license.

Drivers with more than three years experience start with 12 points, while new drivers are credited with eight. Drivers can get two extra points after three years with no offences and a further point after that after three more years to reach the maximum number of points – 15.

Between 450 and 500 drivers and motor cyclists in the Alicante province loose their licences each year. The main reasons for loosing all their points are excessive blood alcohol levels, speeding and failure to use a seat belt or crash helmet.

Loosing points

  • Speeding - Between 2 and 6 points depending on how far above the speed limit you were travelling.
  • Using the mobile phone or any other apparatus considered a distraction – 3 points.
  • Not using your seat belt or helmet for bike riders – 3 points.
  • Drink driving – 4 or 6 points.

Points can also be lost in the following circumstances:

2 points will be taken for:

  • Dangerous parking
  • Using radar speed trap detectors
  • Forgetting to turn on your headlights
  • Taking a child under 12 as a passenger on a motorbike

3 points will be taken for:

  • Making an illegal turn
  • Driving too close to the vehicle in front

4 points will be taken for:

  • Driving without the correct license
  • Taking a vehicle onto a motorway that is not authorized
  • Reversing on a motorway
  • Dangerous driving or overtaking
  • Blocking another driver from overtaking
  • Jumping a red light
  • Disobeying police instructions
  • Throwing any dangerous objects from the car – this includes cigarette butts
  • Driving with too many people in the vehicle

And finally 6 points will be taken for:

  • For extreme dangerous driving, which could be, for example, taking part in racing, driving against the traffic and so on.
  • Professional drivers risk losing six points if they do not respect official rest periods

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