New Traffic Signs: What Do the Novelties Mean?

The General Traffic Regulations have undergone a major transformation that will bring with it new traffic signs. These changes, promoted by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), have a clear raison d’être and multiple objectives that seek to adapt the signalling to the evolution of mobility and vehicle technology.

1. Adaptation to Current Mobility

One of the most significant changes in this update is the adaptation of signage to contemporary mobility. Ana Blanco, Deputy Assistant Director of Circulation at the DGT, emphasises that this change reflects the current mobility environment, which is constantly evolving. This involves modifying old signs to reflect advanced vehicle technology and other aspects, ensuring understanding by all users and promoting road safety and travel efficiency.

2. Responding to Municipal Demands and Current Regulations

Another important reason for these new signs is to respond to requests from municipalities and Parliament regarding the adaptation of traffic signs to technological developments, mobility and gender equality. It also seeks to establish a homogeneous basis for future regulations, such as Low Emission Zones (LEZ).

3. More Agility in Signage Updating

This change aims to achieve a more streamlined procedure for updating the catalogues of vertical signs and road markings. Previously, the modification of these signs was complicated due to their inclusion in the text of the standard. Now, with the new approach, the aim is to simplify this process and improve the structure of the Catalogue, which will allow a more efficient adaptation to future technological, traffic regulation and road safety needs.

Objectives of the Standard

The objectives of this standard cover a wide range of aspects, including:

• Consistency with the definitions and precepts of the Traffic Law and the General Traffic Regulations.
• Improvement in the understanding and visibility of signs.
• Modernisation of pictograms.
• Attention to the needs of pedestrians and bicycle users.
• Adaptation of the size of the signs for more efficient and sustainable manufacture.
• Information on service stations with new fuels and energy sources.
• More specific parking signs.
• Clear information on future traffic and mobility regulations.
• Elimination of gender connotations on signs.

Unification of Signs

This change also aims to unify the traffic signs that each city had designed, which used to cause confusion. Each municipality had its own signs, which caused noticeable differences across the country. This will be a thing of the past with the new standardised signs.

Road Safety

We cannot overlook the fact that any changes in signage have a direct impact on road safety. Proper signage is essential to prevent accidents and ensure safety on the roads. Numerous studies have shown the importance of efficient signage in reducing accidents and protecting road users.

When will we see the changes?

Implementation of the new signs will be gradual, and will take place as new road sections are built or when existing signs need to be replaced due to wear and tear or maintenance. Administrations will be responsible for installing the new signs once the amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations comes into force.

In summary, the new road signs aim to adapt to current mobility and technology, unify signage throughout the country and improve road safety. This change represents an important step towards a more efficient signalling system in line with the needs of the 21st century.

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