DGT
Going too slowly can be fined, unless there is just cause
We are used to talking about speeding tickets, but did you know that there is also a minimum speed established and that you can be fined for driving too slowly?
Driving on a highway or motorway at 40 km/h when other vehicles are driving at 100 or 120 km/h can be just as dangerous as driving at 160 km/h. That is why the General Traffic Regulations establish speed limits below which the driver can be sanctioned.
Fines for driving too slowly
The Traffic Regulations establish, verbatim, that “every driver is obliged to respect the established speed limits and to take into account, in addition, their own physical and mental conditions, the characteristics and the state of the road, the vehicle and its load , the meteorological, environmental and traffic conditions, and, in general, all the circumstances that occur at any given time,”.
This, with the aim of “adapting the speed of your vehicle to them, so that you can always stop it within the limits of your field of vision and in the face of any obstacle that may arise.”
This means that there are certain occasions when, driving on the road, we are forced to slow down even though there is no sign that establishes it.
However, following the provisions of article 49, this reduction in speed may not be such that it hinders the progress of other vehicles without just cause.
Minimum speed allowed
Now let’s see what the regulation says when the minimum speed allowed on each type of road.
- On highways and motorways, driving at a speed of less than 60 km/h is prohibited.
- In the rest of the roads (conventional and secondary roads), the minimum allowed will be half of the generic indicated for each category. For example, on a road where the maximum allowed speed is 90 km/h, it will not be possible to drive at less than 45 km/h unless there is a justified cause (a breakdown).
Fines for driving below the minimum speed allowed
In the same way that driving above the maximum speeds is sanctioned, driving below the minimum speeds without just cause can be sanctioned.
In this case, the fine is 200 euros, but does not entail withdrawal of points.
DGT
You can circulate below the minimum speed allowed when there is a cause that justifies it.
It can be due to meteorological circumstances (rain, fog…); due to the traffic situation (retentions); or due to failure. In all cases, it will be necessary to warn that you are driving at an excessively low speed by using the four hazard lights. In the event of a breakdown, in addition and whenever possible, drive on the right-hand shoulder.
