Seeing and being seen is vital for road safety. For this reason, it is logical that misusing the lights can lead to a fine. They do not have a very large amount, since they range between 80 and 200 euros, but it is better to avoid them. In addition to the amount, because it can be dangerous for you and the rest of the road users.
1. Not indicating the maneuvers
One way to end the public administration deficit would be to fine everyone (I think it would be enough in the surroundings of Madrid) who do not use the turn signals well. They are the only way we have to warn other road users of a maneuver… and not using them is a fine of 80 euros. At least, if you do it at a crossroads, the penalty goes up to 200 euros. If your car has broken down, this invention of an actress at the beginning of the 20th century, you should use your arm to signal, like on a bicycle.
2. Use fog lights if not necessary
Fog lights should only be used in cases where the fog is so intense that vision is obscured. It is mandatory in all cars to have a light rear fog (red in color and with great intensity), but the front ones do not, although most of the models for sale have them, especially in the most complete finishes (they are located on each side of the car, as we explained in our guide about car lights and how to use them).
The regulation itself establishes that only the rear can be used in case of “fog, very heavy rain, storm, heavy snowfall or cloud of dust.” The front, in “conditions of low visibility due to fog, heavy rain or cloud of dust, even during the day”, clarifying that the fog light can only be used in these cases (with the dipped beam it would be enough).
The problem here lies with people driving past a fog bank and then forgetting to turn it off. Or use it in conditions that are not too unfavorable, with which the brightness they produce is amplified even more and annoys other drivers since it dazzles them. If you are caught by a law enforcement officer you risk a penalty from the 200 euros. So read our tips for driving in fog carefully.
4. Wearing a Burnt Out Headlight
You can’t drive with a blown headlight (well, you can because unfortunately it’s often seen). If this is the case, you have to replace the bulb in poor condition, because if they catch you they can fine you with 200 euros.
It’s been almost a decade (since 2010, to be exact) that it is no longer mandatory to carry spare bulbs, as there are cars in which it is really complex to replace them and it does not make sense. If this is your case and you scrupulously comply with the law, you should call your roadside assistance tow truck to take you to a workshop.
4. Burnt out license plate light
If the license plate light does not look good in situations of low visibility, it is as if you have it very dirty… or that you have removed it. It is mandatory that it work correctly, since it is the only way to identify a vehicle. If it has melted, it supposes that they fine you with 200 euros. If it is in poor condition or worn, the “joke” costs you exactly the same
5. Bursts
Now that long trips are made by highway, I haven’t seen this custom on the road for a long time. In the old days, I remember how people warned those approaching their position of the presence of traffic officers by making a signal by switching on the lights for a moment.
Well then. Is prohibited. It can be done to warn of danger, but not continuously… and it doesn’t matter why you do it, regardless of whether it is to warn that there is a radar nearby or not. It is sanctioned with 80 eurosas it can dazzle the oncoming driver.
6. Refuel with the lights on
It is dangerous to refuel with the lights on, since it means that the car’s electrical system is working in a place with a risk of combustion. If you do it and the police see you, it can lead to a sanction of 200 euros.
And beware, that the traffic regulations equate to this action having the radio or other electromagnetic radiation devices turned on, such as mobile phones. It is not that the latter is very dangerous, but as we told you years ago, there is a slight risk and it is better to avoid it. It would be worse to refuel with the engine running, which is why it has a higher penalty (which also entails a loss of points).
7. Do not connect them if there is poor visibility
It happens on more occasions than it seems, since now there is much more night lighting in urban centers (but remember, not only you have to see, they have to see you). Also remember that you do not only have to put the low beams at night, as the regulations require connecting them in a tunnel, at times when the sun sets and rises or with extreme rain. carries a fine of 200 euros.
Most of today’s cars have lights that automatically activate when sensors detect low light. In addition, they are capable of doing more things (the most complete ones), such as adjusting the beam of light in a curve, turning on the high beams automatically and turning them off automatically when someone comes from the front…
8. Do not connect them during the day (sometimes)
When there is a lot of traffic (such as exit and entry operations to large cities) an extra lane is usually set up for traffic. There, you have to connect the lights, as in the reversible lanes. Also in work zones, under pain of being fined with 200 euros.
9. Immobilizing the vehicle without using the lights
The traffic code leaves no room for doubt: «Any vehicle that, for any reason, is immobilized between sunset and sunrise on the road or on the shoulder of a road, must have its position lights on or, where appropriate, , those of gauge”. This is a serious infraction whose non-compliance supposes 200 euro fine.
