Did you know that you can be fined for driving with your coat on? Here are the keys to this possible infraction.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) is the body in charge of improving and guaranteeing the safety of the roads in Spain. Throughout its existence, it has been introducing regulations that have had these precepts as their object and, perhaps, it has sinned by lack of publicity of the same. That is why many people are unaware some of the reasons for sanctions that are in force Today. The best example of this is shown by the use of a coat while driving. Did you know that you can be penalized for it?
We all know that not wearing a helmet on a bicycle or electric scooter can be punishable, as well as not wearing a seat belt. The same happens with not carrying signs for maneuvers to change direction or lane or exceeding safety limits. Now, who was going to tell us that the Civil Guard You can penalize us for wearing the coat while we drive? The regulations indicate it, but it is true that it does not expressly indicate it.
Let’s see, therefore, In what circumstances can the Authorities impose a fine on us? therefore, what are the conditions that must be linked to it and, of course, to what extent is this type of sanction legal. Be that as it may, the legislation is not clearly shown on the prohibition of the coat, but once again, something similar happens with the use of flip-flops in summer.
The actuary’s criteria will be essential for you to be fined for wearing a coat
The first thing to note is that not all coats are susceptible to infringement. This potential fine is directly linked to those that have a direct relationship with its volume. Down jackets and down jackets could pose a problem for driving. Well, why is it punishable? Everything is related to the risk that its carrying to the safety of the person itself entails. In fact, there is a double slope that could explain a potential sanction.
Driving with a coat on can be subject to a penalty. Image: The Country
On the one hand, the use of this garment can significantly limit the person’s freedom of movement. This can impair driving. If you have ever driven with a garment of these characteristics, you will have been able to verify how is it not very comfortable to wear it. In the event of an emergency maneuver, it can be very difficult to turn the steering wheel quickly and at a greater angle.
The other reason that explains a potential sanction is directly related to the effectiveness of the seat belt. This security element, in the presence of this article of clothing, will reduce its usefulness due to the presence of the lining. Due to this same consequence, it is not possible to use cushions as a booster.
The Traffic Regulations, approved by Royal Decree 1428/2003, of November 21, establishes in article 18.1 that the driver you must maintain your own freedom of movement. For these purposes, the reason for the infringement lies in the possibility that a coat may not be contrary to this precept.
The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movement. Article 18.1
At the time of imposing the sanction, everything will depend on the predisposition of the official to impose the same. Being a somewhat subjective criterion, it will depend on each particular case. Certainly, this possible infraction is on the list of many other sanctions that can be imposed and that, perhaps, you were not aware of. What’s more, did you know that if you suffer from a series of certain diseases you are also not fit to drive? The possible sanction that can be imposed is 80 euros, for which the offender could pay by taking advantage of the grace measure for prompt payment.