The upcoming temperature drop means that more and more motorists choose to use the car with their jackets on, especially those who park on the street and find their vehicle practically frozen. This practice is not recommended for driving and can even lead to fines.
On the one hand, the padding of the jacket can create an air chamber that reduces the effectiveness of the seat belt in the event of an accident, but on the other hand, it can prevent the correct movement of the arms behind the wheel, with the risk that this entails.
While wearing a coat does not in itself constitute a fine, the rule can be interpretable and the final decision in an accident is made by the officer. If he believes that the use of this garment during the event has had direct responsibility, it can be considered a serious offense for negligent driving, which carries a fine of up to 200 euros.
The same happens with the use of thick-soled gloves or boots. Freedom of movement and correct posture is subject to a fine of 80 euros. Article 18.1 of the General Traffic Regulations prescribes, among other things, that the driver must “maintain his own freedom of movement” in order to guarantee his safety, that of the other occupants of the car and that of other road users.
One of the DGT rules for the seat belt to be truly effective is to avoid using pillows and other padded items, as well as jackets. To do this, in the case of winter, it recommends turning on the heating and leaving the jacket aside, since the main thing is that the driver has freedom of movement while driving.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
