There are many people who are unaware that sanctions do not only come when you have committed a traffic violation, since the fact of walking through the streets of a town, city or municipality means being on alert, since from the side of the pedestrian there is also the possibility that they can fine you.
According to the Traffic and Safety Law, a pedestrian is one that “without being a driver, travels on foot on public roads”. Although the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) It also includes in this group those pedestrians who push a small vehicle without a motor, be it a bicycle or an electric scooter, and people with reduced mobility who use a wheelchair with or without a motor.
It should be remembered that pedestrians also have a great responsibility when it comes to contributing to road safety, since users are more vulnerable, especially if they are children and the elderly. Only by acting correctly will it be possible to ensure the physical integrity of people, in addition to saving you the annoyance of having to pay a fine for having broken the rules as a pedestrian.
But what are those sanctions? Here are some of the most common:
1. Cross the road outside the crosswalk
Surely more than once as a pedestrian you have crossed the road somewhere you shouldn’t have and causing even cars to have to brake to maintain your safety. Therefore, it is very important always do it for the zebra crossing which is the safest place. Failure to comply with this action may result in a financial penalty of up to 100 euros.
In addition, in the event that there is no pedestrian crossing and you have the obligation to cross the road, the agents could also penalize you if you have not previously made sure that you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
2. Cross the road when the red traffic light
When you’re behind the wheel, it’s clear to everyone that you should never run a red light, but this perception changes when, as a pedestrian, you believe that you can cross the street without any kind of danger. But the reality is that this act is considered a serious offense and could result in a fine of up to 200 euros.
3. Walking on prohibited roads, such as highways and highways
Pedestrians generally have entry to certain roads is prohibited, since they cannot walk on highways or highways, except for those that are considered emergency situations. This act can be fined up to 100 euros.
4. Walk to the right out of town
According to the General Traffic Regulations (RGC) pedestrians have to walk on the left side of the road or the shoulder, as long as there is no pedestrian area for it. Not respecting it can lead to a penalty of up to 100 euros.
5. Walking without a vest on the road
This same regulation also establishes that any passerby who circulates on the road in situations with low visibility will have the obligation to wear a reflective vest. Some of those more common situations tend to be between sunset and sunrise and when there are bad weather conditions. Not complying with it can lead to a penalty of up to 100 euros.
6. Not putting on the vest when getting out of the car
When you get out of the car on the road, you stop being a driver to become a pedestrian. Bearing this in mind, in a breakdown or emergency situation, remember that you always have to signal your position with the emergency triangle and position yourself on the other side of the guardrail. If by doing this no Are you wearing a reflective vest?the traffic agents could penalize you with a fine of 200 euros.
7. Refusing to perform a breathalyzer and drug test
As it happens to driverspedestrians who have been involved in an accident or have committed an infraction they are required to submit to a breathalyzer test and a drug test. Refusing would result in a fine of up to 1,000 euros. Likewise, the agents could also fine you for giving these tests positive.
Can they remove points from your driver’s license if they penalize me as a pedestrian?
Surely the doubt has arisen after reading this article that if the agents penalize you as a pedestrian this could also affect you in the withdrawal of points from the driving license. The answer to this question is obvious: no.
When acting as a passerby, the same as when you do it as a cyclist, the infractions that you could commit They are not related to your driving license.
