(1959)

Spanish Administration creates the “Jefatura Central de Tráfico” (Central Headquarters of Traffic), later named DGT, “Dirección General de Tráfico” (National Traffic Authority).

(1962)

First studies on traffic accidents in Spain

1974

Mandatory seat belt use by front seat occupants on interurban roads

Speed limit of 130 kph reduced to 110 kph on inter-urban roads

1981

Mandatory helmet for motorcycle drivers

1990-94

“White Flag” campaign

1992

Introduction of mobile cameras for speed limit enforcement

Speed limit of 60 kph reduced to 50 kph on urban roads

1993

Ministry of Interior revises the formal definition of ‘traffic accident’ by accepting and adopting the European standard: “Road traffic fatalities” are those victims from a road accident who die immediately or during the 30 days following the accident. Studies to calculate the factor to apply to 24hour fatalities data are initiated.

1994

A periodic (biennial) vehicle inspection test is required for cars older than 4 years

1997

Suspension of the driving licence for drunken drivers (initiated in 1990 if dangerous driving was associated)

1998

Alcohol legal limit (Blood Alcohol Content) reduced from 0.8 to 0.5 g/l (0.5 to 0.3 g/l for professional drivers and novices). Operative since 1999

The executive responsibility for road traffic management in Catalonia is transferred to SCT (Servei Català de Transit / Catalan Transit Service), including data collection and publication of traffic accident statistics

2001

Withdrawal of licence for drivers exceeding in 50% the speed limit, from 30 km/h (adopted in 1990 if additional danger was associated)

2002

Publication of the “Road Safety Plan for Catalonia 2002-2004” with a casualty reduction target for the next three years: 15% decrease in fatalities and seriously injured with respect to the values of 2000

Static cameras introduced for speed limit enforcement

2003

Approval of the law prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving (exception: hands-free modality)

Approval of the law simplifying the sanction of driving without a permit making it an administrative procedure

Approval of the law introducing the manifest excess of speed figure, as a clear probe of reckless conduction

Approval of the law requiring the use of seat belt in back seat (for new vehicles with seat belts installed)

Publication of the “Road Safety Plan for Basque Country 2003-2006” with a casualty reduction target for the next five years: 20% decrease in fatalities and seriously injured persons with respect to the values of 2001