DGT will ban minors from using electric scooters and is preparing new restrictions

The Directorate General of Road Traffic (DGT) wants Ban the use of electric scooters by minors under 16 as part of a new regulation aimed at protecting pedestrians and cyclists and including more important points to facilitate movement in these types of vehicles.

This new rules for vulnerable usersThe agreement, which has been negotiated for years but never materialized, could come into force next year. It aims to, among other things, reduce the number of deaths of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and users of personal vehicles (PMVs) and electric scooters. In fact, according to data provided by GDT A countryThis group will account for 51% of road traffic deaths in 2023.

How detailed the above-mentioned media, in addition to the ban on distribution to minors under 16 years of age, new rules will force e-scooter users to register with the DGT vehicle register. Anyone who drives it must also wear a helmet, and riders who use it for work must wear a reflective vest.

DGT is also studying reduce the legal blood alcohol level for beginners and professional electric scooter drivers. The limit is currently 0.30 grams per liter of blood alcohol or 0.10 milligrams per liter of breath, with plans to lower it to 0.20 grams or 0.15 milligrams respectively.

Changes to DGT rules that will also affect cyclists

Another change that the DGT plans to make to the new rules, which will affect both cyclists and personal vehicle (VMP) users, is the banning them from walking on sidewalks, which will be used exclusively for pedestrians. However, city councils are expected to have the power to regulate the parking of two-wheelers on pavements, provided they do not obstruct the passage of pedestrians.

Regarding bicycles, DGT is also considering the possibility allow them to circulate in the opposite direction on all urban roads with one lane in each direction and a speed limit of 30 km/h. In any case, there should be signage allowing this to be done.

Drivers will also notice a change to the overtaking speed limit: on intercity roads, any overtaking maneuver must be carried out at a speed 20 km/h below the maximum permitted on the road. All this, of course, while maintaining a distance of 1.5 m.

Finally, the DGT could also remove the current limit on towing trailers with a bicycle, which is limited to 50% of the weight of that type of vehicle.