{
  "id": 11612282,
  "title": "N-332 Riders in Torrevieja Risk €200 Fines for Using Hard Shoulder to Beat Queues",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/n-332-riders-in-torrevieja-risk-200-fines-for-using-hard-shoulder-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T05:35:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Leader",
    "slug": "the-leader",
    "url": "https://theleader.info/2026/10/03/n-332-riders-in-torrevieja-risk-e200-fines-for-using-hard-shoulder-to-beat-queues/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Riders of motorbikes on the N-332 bypass in Torrevieja risk facing fines of €200 for using the hard shoulder to bypass traffic jams, despite new regulations permitting such maneuvers on specifically authorized stretches of road. These revised rules, which took effect on October 1st, allow motorcycles to utilize the right-hand hard shoulder when traffic has come to a halt due to congestion. However, this exception only applies to designated and signposted sections of the road. Motorcyclists must adhere to specific guidelines, traveling in a single file, maintaining speeds below 30 km/h, and ensuring they do not obstruct other road users. Notably, the Torrevieja bypass itself has not been authorized or marked for motorcycle use of the shoulder. Consequently, Guardia Civil traffic officers will maintain their practice of fining riders who use the hard shoulder to pass queues. This restriction impacts one of the area's most congested roads, with the bypass capable of accommodating up to 55,000 vehicles during peak August traffic, yet only sporting a single lane in each direction. Queues are a recurring issue throughout the year, especially between the CV-95 bridge and the Parque de las Naciones exit. While many local drivers prefer to avoid the road for short journeys within Torrevieja, some motorcyclists take advantage of the road's wider shoulders to navigate around stationary traffic. Nevertheless, the legality of this maneuver is not determined by the availability of space on the shoulder. Federico Alarcón, Torrevieja's councillor for Traffic and Safety, emphasized that the responsibility for the necessary signage falls under the state's jurisdiction as the bypass is a national road. Although a significant portion of the bypass traverses residential areas, the initiative to permit shoulder use should originate from either the Guardia Civil’s Traffic Division or the national highways authority. Alarcón likened the process to previous measures implemented on the bypass, such as restrictions on overtaking and the use of flashing warning lights, all aimed at mitigating rear-end collisions. The council persistently advocates for widening the road, a longstanding demand intended to alleviate chronic congestion. Under the new regulations, authorized sections must prominently display both fixed roadside signs and road markings. Approval necessitates consensus between the road owner and the pertinent traffic authority. For riders on the N-332, the crucial message remains unchanged: merely experiencing a traffic jam does not entitle motorcyclists to use the hard shoulder. Until the bypass receives the requisite authorization and signage, motorcyclists who employ the hard shoulder to circumvent queues face the prospect of a €200 penalty.",
  "summary": "Motorcyclists using the hard shoulder to bypass traffic jams on Torrevieja’s N-332 bypass still face €200 fines, despite new rules allowing the manoeuvre on specifically authorised stretches of road. The revised regulations, which came into force on 1 October, permit motorcycles to use the right-hand hard shoulder when traffic has stopped because of congestion. However, […] The post N-332 Riders…",
  "key_points": [
    "Motorcyclists risk €200 fines for using hard shoulder on N-332.",
    "New regulations permit shoulder use on authorized stretches.",
    "Torrevieja bypass not authorized for motorcycle shoulder use."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Motorcyclists on the N-332 bypass in Torrevieja lose a claimed shortcut as authorities enforce a hard shoulder ban, leaving riders to wait in queues or risk €200 fines.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}