Spain’s traffic authorities are implementing a comprehensive reform of the rules of the road, aimed at enhancing road safety and streamlining emergency response. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) is currently working on updating the General Traffic Regulations (RGC), introducing a significant measure requiring drivers to form emergency corridors during traffic jams on motorways.
The technological platform, DGT 3.0, due to launch in 2026, will be capable of sending real-time alerts to warn drivers about nearby emergency vehicles and other incidents, improving driver anticipation and response times. These changes represent a major shift in Spanish traffic management, bringing the country into line with other European nations.
Emergency corridor formation
The forthcoming update to Article 32 of the General Traffic Regulations establishes the obligation for vehicles to form an emergency corridor when encountering slow-moving or stationary traffic on motorways. This practice, already common in countries such as Germany, is intended to facilitate the passage of emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire engines, and police cars.
The procedure varies depending on the number of lanes:
- On two-lane motorways: Vehicles in the left-hand lane must move left, while those in the right-hand lane should move towards the hard shoulder, creating a clear corridor in the middle.
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On motorways with three or more lanes: The corridor must be formed between the left-hand lane and the one adjacent to it, with vehicles moving to their respective sides.
Real-time alerts and DGT 3.0
The DGT 3.0 platform will introduce a sophisticated alert system that combines geolocation technology with emergency vehicle tracking. When an emergency vehicle is in transit, its position and status will be transmitted live to control centres, which will then relay this information to nearby vehicles.
Furthermore, from 1 January 2026, the mandatory introduction of the V-16 light beacon integrated with DGT 3.0 will replace traditional warning triangles. When activated, this device will not only visually signal the location of a broken-down or crashed vehicle but also automatically transmit its position to the central system.
Ana Blanco, Deputy Assistant Director of Traffic at DGT, confirms that the technological development is scheduled for completion by late 2025, emphasising the importance of cooperation between all administrations and emergency services for the platform’s effective operation.