Putting on make-up, biting your nails or driving without a shirt: truths and lies about DBT fines

While some behaviors are not traffic violations, the officers may impose sanctions on us if they believe they make driving difficult or pose a danger

Respecting the speed limits, not picking up the mobile phone or wearing a seat belt are the most common rules that must be observed. But there are also other types of behavior that can also lead to a fine, even if they are not regulated as offenses by the DGT traffic rules. In many cases, it is about the interpretation that traffic officers can make, since certain behaviors in certain situations can endanger driving.

According to the experts at Legalistas, nail biting, not carrying your backpack in the trunk or arguing with the co-driver behind the wheel are some of the little-known reasons for which you can be fined.

For example, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) states in Article 14 of the General Traffic Regulations that objects that are not properly secured and placed cannot be placed in the back seat of the car. Improperly placed loads can obscure the driver’s view and even move abruptly, endangering all occupants. In this way it is recommended to store suitcases, backpacks or shopping bags in the trunk. Failure to comply with these provisions can lead to a fine of up to 200 euros.

The prohibition to drive in flip-flops and shirtless is not regulated as such in the General Traffic Regulations, so such behavior would not be punishable, but it does contain a series of articles (17 or 18.1) that relate to the correct handling of the car. All those elements that hinder the driver can be fined.

If an officer determines that the use of thongs prevents safe driving, he can impose a fine of 80 euros. This type of shoe, because it is not attached to the foot, can make it impossible for the driver to handle the pedals correctly. In addition, riding without a shirt can cause injuries or burns if the seat belt restraint system is activated. The fine is 80 euros and can be up to 200 euros and the loss of 4 points on the driver’s license if it is a very dangerous violation.

Any act that involves not paying permanent attention to driving or even maintaining the necessary field of vision will constitute an offence. Putting on make-up while driving or standing still at a stop or at a traffic light would imply non-compliance with the legal regulations, which would entail a fine of 100 euros, but if there was an obvious danger ​​for the rest of the users, the same action could be considered reckless and in that case the fine would be 500 euros and the loss of 6 points.

The same sanctions could be applied to a driver who, by driving while biting his nails, does not remain in the correct position or is no longer able to control the vehicle by not having both hands on the wheel.

There are many drivers who fill up the gas tank so quickly that they remain on the road. The authorities consider this act irresponsible and can therefore impose fines ranging from 200 euros to 3,000 euros.

In case the vehicle has to be parked incorrectly and hinders other road users, the fine is 200 euros. The amount will be the same if you continue to push the car. In addition, good signage on the road must take place through the use of warning triangles and reflective vests. If not done properly, the traffic cops can fine the person 80 euros, but if the offense is for not using the reflective vest, the penalty is 200 euros and it means the loss of 4 points.

The highest amount, between 2,000 and 3,000 euros, comes if you have to go to the nearest gas station and transport the fuel in a can or other unapproved container.

It should always be borne in mind that the most important principle in driving regulation is that the driver must be able to drive the vehicle at all times, maintain the necessary field of vision and pay permanent attention to driving to ensure their safety. , those of the other occupants of the vehicle and those of other road users.

An argument with the couple in which they lose sight of the road or kiss while the vehicle is moving could lead to a violation of the regulations, i.e. an offense would be committed which could be punished with a fine of up to 100 euros. If the act involved an action that could be considered careless driving, the fine could be up to 200 euros and, if it poses a risk to other road users, it could be considered reckless driving and a fine of 500 euros and a loss of 6 euros. points.

The General Traffic Regulations do not specifically prohibit eating or drinking while using the vehicle. However, Article 17.1 states that drivers must be able to drive their car at all times and hold the steering wheel with both hands. Therefore, if the authorities consider that driving safety is compromised by such an act, the authorities can fine the motorist up to 100 euros, but if negligent driving is considered, it can also be up to 200 euros.

A common occurrence on long journeys is seeing the co-drivers of other vehicles with their feet on the glove compartment or dashboard. This attitude is not allowed and is also subject to very frequent surveillance by the DGT, promoting the so-called “submarine effect”. Wearing a belt that is incorrectly positioned or adjusted increases the risk of the body slipping under it and eventually colliding with the handlebars.

The fine is 100 euros and could affect both the driver and any of the passengers who comment on this irregularity. If the observed behavior ultimately involves not wearing the seat belt correctly, the fine is up to 200 euros.

When traveling with animals, it is mandatory to use a retention or restraining system to prevent them from interfering with driving. Depending on the size of the pet, it is better to carry it in a carrier on the ground or in the trunk in the same direction as the march. If the animal is loose in the car, the fine can be 100 euros, while if it is in the driver’s hole, it can be 500 euros.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

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.