Who Should Be Fined: The Slow Driver on the Left or the One Overtaking on the Right? Here's What the Law Says

During the summer months, most Spaniards travel by car to tourist destinations such as beaches, mountains, or other leisure spots, increasing the number of users on the roads. This situation demands greater caution behind the wheel, especially in areas where erratic behavior by some drivers can create dangerous situations.

One frequent problem on highways is the tendency of some drivers to remain in the center or left lanes even when the right lane is empty. This behavior obstructs traffic and forces other drivers to perform illegal maneuvers such as overtaking on the right to move forward. But in this case, who should be fined: the slow driver on the left or the one overtaking on the right?

The General Traffic Regulations (RGC) clearly state that vehicles should preferably drive in the right lane, leaving other lanes for overtaking or specific situations that require it. Non-compliance with this rule is considered a serious offense, punishable by a fine of 200 euros, although it does not entail a loss of points from the driving license.

On the other hand, overtaking a vehicle from the right lane is also penalized unless special circumstances justify it. Specifically, this maneuver is considered serious, like the other one, and the fine can reach up to 200 euros. Therefore, if such a situation occurs, both users would be fined similarly.

Despite everything, regulations establish some exceptions where overtaking on the right is allowed. For example, if the vehicle ahead clearly signals its intention to turn left and there is enough space to safely perform the maneuver, overtaking on the right is permitted. The same applies in urban areas with multiple lanes in the same direction, where this maneuver is also allowed as long as it is done with caution.

Lastly, in traffic jams, when all lanes are occupied and one moves faster than another, this movement is not considered overtaking unless it involves changing lanes with the intention of taking a specific exit or direction.