Are you crossing correctly in Spain? Tightened rules and fines await walkers

Pedestrians in Spain must follow specific rules when crossing the road, or they risk facing fines up to €200. According to Article 124 of Spain's General Traffic Regulations, pedestrians should always use a designated crossing if one is provided. They cannot simply cross a few meters away just because it is more convenient. At many crossings without traffic lights—known as zebra crossings—pedestrians have priority, but they must wait until the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles allow them to cross safely.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians with priority, but pedestrians should never assume a vehicle will stop or slow down.

Recent accidents, like the one in Torrox Costa, where two women were seriously injured at a traffic-light-controlled pedestrian crossing, highlight the importance of both drivers and pedestrians paying attention. The Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, provides official advice for pedestrians, including how to cross safely when there are no traffic lights.

A red pedestrian signal signals that pedestrians should not start crossing, while a green walking figure indicates it is safe to begin crossing. When the green figure flashes, pedestrians should continue crossing without stopping unnecessarily, or wait for the next green signal.

Pedestrians must also obey police officers' instructions and not enter a crossing where a traffic signal or officer allows vehicles to proceed. They should walk directly across the road rather than taking a diagonal route and should not stop or linger in the carriageway without a good reason. The DGT lists several offenses that can result in significant fines, including crossing away from an existing pedestrian crossing and ignoring a red pedestrian traffic light.