The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), in collaboration with the Guardia Civil, is conducting awareness and surveillance campaigns to reduce road accidents and eradicate dangerous driving behaviors. One focus is the incorrect use of the shoulder, a space many drivers treat as an additional lane, endangering everyone's safety.

Regulations clearly state that the shoulder is not a regular traffic lane for passenger cars. It is primarily reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, special vehicles, and crucially, for emergency vehicles. The only permitted exceptions are in case of breakdown, to stop or drive slowly to a safe location, or when a traffic officer orders it, as well as due to specific signage for roadworks or incidents.

Article 36 of the General Traffic Regulations specifies that certain vehicles, such as animal-drawn vehicles, mopeds, or those with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms that are traveling at an abnormally reduced speed due to an emergency, may use the shoulder if it is passable and sufficient. Motorcyclists are also permitted to use the right shoulder during traffic jams, provided they do not exceed 30 km/h and respect the priority of other vehicles, especially bicycles.

Haste and traffic jams often lead drivers to perform prohibited maneuvers. The DGT reminds that using the shoulder to overtake in traffic jams is not only illegal but can severely block the passage of priority vehicles, such as ambulances or fire trucks, with potentially fatal consequences.

Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure road safety. Driving improperly on the shoulder can result in a 200 euro fine and the loss of 3 driving license points.