Blind spot markings on trucks have been mandatory since the beginning of this year in France. Now Spain’s DGT has decided to introduce a similar sticker. However, contrary to the French, the Spanish, for the time being, only recommend placing warning stickers. Therefore, there is no fine for their absence.
As the Directorate explains, blind spots are the main reason for the most dangerous situations on the roads involving vans, trucks or buses. This is why the DGT has published special instructions that currently apply, including the use of a sticker indicating a blind spot.
🆕Instrucción #DGT sobre ángulos muertos 🇪🇸🚚🙈.Objetivo👉proteger a los #vulnerables
🔵Uso voluntario de la señal en👇
🔹Autobuses
🔹Vehículos comerciales ligeros
🔹Camiones rígidos
🔹Tractocamiones con remolque
🔹Vehículos Transporte Residuos➕ℹ️👉https://t.co/A0UDa6dTEB pic.twitter.com/ewLJvsGRhO
— Dir. Gral. Tráfico (@DGTes) September 29, 2021
The stickers contain a hazard pictogram and the following phrase: “Danger. Blind spot!”, accompanied by an icon showing a vehicle and a vulnerable user.
Each type of vehicle has its own sticker, which must be approved and have a reflective surface, in yellow, red, black and white. They differ not only in pictograms but also in dimensions (on smaller vehicles they are smaller).
Spanish blind spot warning stickers will only be available from authorised dealers and must meet technical requirements (in terms of dimensions, material used, etc.).
Which vehicles are subject to DGT recommendations?
– Vehicles for the transport of persons with more than 9 seats, including the driver (M2 and M3), i.e. for example minibuses,
buses, coaches.
– Vehicles for the carriage of goods of categories N1 (GVW below 3.5 t), N2 (GVW between 3.5 t and 12 t) and N3 (GVW above 12 t).
– Vehicles for waste transport in urban areas (N2 and N3).
There are exceptions for vehicles whose construction makes it impossible to affix a sticker (e.g. car carriers, container and platform vehicles).
The new sticker must not obscure any other plates, signals, lights or lighting devices with which the vehicles are required to be equipped by law.
Sticker arrangement
The number of stickers and their arrangement varies depending on the type of vehicle. The height at which they must be located does not change, it is always between 0.90 and 1.50 m from the ground.
For example, buses, coaches, vans and rigid trucks, if they choose to have them, must have three stickers: two on the sides and one on the back.
In contrast, articulated vehicles will have to display five stickers. Two on the tractor (on the side) and another three on the trailer (two on the sides and one on the back).
On the other hand, refuse trucks and waste management vehicles must have four signs: two on each side and another two on the left and right side on the back.