With the arrival of winter, it is common to get into the car fully wrapped up and start driving without a second thought. However, although there is no explicit law forbidding the wearing of coats while driving, wearing excessively bulky garments could result in a fine if traffic officers consider that it compromises road safety. This is an aspect many drivers are unaware of, leading to confusion on Spanish roads during the colder months.
The reality is that the basis for these potential fines is not a specific rule banning coats, but a general article requiring drivers to operate vehicles safely. The Directorate General of Traffic has warned about the risk of restricted movement at the wheel, a requirement explicitly covered by Spain’s current traffic regulations, which can lead to fines of up to €200. This is a significant sum and represents a considerable amount for most Spanish drivers. Many are unaware that officers from the Guardia Civil de Tráfico have discretionary power to determine what constitutes an obstacle to safe driving. If they consider that a coat is too bulky, restricting manoeuvrability, limiting peripheral vision, or reducing the effectiveness of the seatbelt, they can stop the vehicle and issue a fine even in the absence of any other traffic offence.
Article 18 of the General Traffic Regulations: the legal basis
The legal foundation for these fines lies in Article 18 of the General Traffic Regulations, which clearly states that “the driver is obliged to maintain full freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and constant attention to driving.” While the wording is broad, it is applied strictly when an officer believes clothing interferes with any of these essential requirements.
The problem is not the coat itself, but the potential consequences of a bulky garment while driving. If a coat prevents precise steering, significantly reduces lateral vision, obstructs access to vehicle controls, or causes the seatbelt to sit incorrectly, it may be considered negligent driving according to the officer’s assessment.
It is important to note that the evaluation is entirely at the discretion of the inspecting officer. There is no objective standard defining exactly when a coat is “too bulky.” This means two drivers could be treated differently in almost identical situations, depending on the individual interpretation of the Guardia Civil officer who stops them.
Other winter clothing that could lead to fines
Beyond conventional coats, other winter garments could also attract sanctions if they compromise road safety. An excessively long scarf might get caught in the gearstick, interfere with the seatbelt, or obstruct access to vehicle controls. These situations are particularly dangerous because they can lead to serious accidents.
In the case of winter footwear, stiff boots or those with very thick soles can reduce pedal sensitivity, particularly when braking. This loss of tactile feedback is especially hazardous in emergencies, where every millisecond counts. Drivers may misjudge the pressure applied to the pedals, reducing their ability to react to sudden obstacles or unexpected hazards on the road.
Hats, caps, or hoods that partially block peripheral vision or hinder hearing are also worth noting. Being able to hear clearly what is happening outside the vehicle is essential for safe driving, enabling the detection of emergency sirens, horns from other vehicles, or any other relevant audio signals.
Safety risks: the “submarining” effect
Beyond potential fines of €200, the greater risk arises in the event of a road accident. If a seatbelt does not fit properly over bulky clothing, its effectiveness can be drastically reduced. This significantly increases the likelihood of the so-called “submarining” effect, where the driver’s body slides under the seatbelt during a sudden stop or frontal collision.
This phenomenon is extremely dangerous, greatly increasing the risk of serious injury. When the body slides under the belt, internal organs, particularly the abdomen, can suffer severe damage. Road safety studies show that occupants experiencing this effect have much higher mortality rates in accidents than those whose seatbelt functions correctly. For this reason, winter driving safety is not just about avoiding fines; it is a personal responsibility that directly impacts the physical well-being of the driver and passengers.