There are more than 1,100 speed radars located throughout Spanish territory, ready to fine us when we exceed the limits of the road. Most of them, the fixed ones, must be signposted, but if we add the mobile, section radars or all those that continually monitor us, it is likely that one will end up catching you. And what do we usually do to avoid receiving a fine? Brake just before passing by the aforementioned radar.
We always think that, with this technique, we will never be caught. There are many drivers who choose to brake suddenly before a radar and the reason is always the same: for running. Because many others recognize that in sections with good visibility they have sometimes driven their vehicle faster than permitted. They have even found the need to reduce it drastically when seeing a radar nearby. But what does the regulation say about this technique? Can it result in a fine?
In current Spanish legislation there is no rule that explicitly specifies or prohibits braking before passing through a speed radar. However, based on the Second Section of the article number 53referring to the section “Reduction of speed and distances between vehicles” of the General Traffic RegulationsDepending on how it is interpreted, it can be more than enough reason for a Civil Guard traffic agent to fine any driver who brakes.
In accordance with the aforementioned article 53, it is indicated: “when driving a vehicle, the speed may not be reduced. except in circumstances of imminent danger. Every driver, to considerably reduce the speed of his vehicle, must make sure that he can do so without risk to other drivers and will be obliged to warn in advance in the manner provided for in article 109, without being able to do so abruptly, so that it does not cause risk. of collision with vehicles traveling behind yours.”
Failure to comply with this precept is considered a serious infraction. For all these reasons, the answer to the question in this article is “Yeah”. Yes, because, indeed, A law enforcement officer can fine you if he catches you red-handed by braking without justification before a radar. As it is considered a serious infraction, the sanction carries a financial fine of 200 euros without deduction of points. That is to say, the radar will not take your photo, but if a Civil Guard on duty sees it, you will go home with a new and unpleasant prescription.
