A new traffic sign has recently (July 1st, 2025) been introduced in Spain, and it is already causing quite a stir. The sign requires drivers to maintain a 70-meter minimum distance, but that isn’t easy to estimate. And what if a car suddenly appears in front of you?
In 2023, rear-end collisions on highways tragically caused 78 deaths and 273 serious injuries. Enforcing distance aims to lower these numbers. The new sign is intended to reduce the number of rear-end collisions.
Focus on distance
The distance between two cars is monitored and measured automatically. The radars measure how close vehicles are, regardless of speed—they target vehicles driving too close, not those simply speeding.
Physically, at 120 km/h, it takes more than 80 meters to come to a complete stop—even longer if road conditions are poor. The 70 m rule gives drivers a buffer, though a safe following distance can be longer in reality.
Anyone driving too close to the vehicle in front risks a fine of 200 euros or more, as well as four penalty points on their driving licence. Persistent tailgating in accidents can result in fines of up to €500 and a 6-point penalty. Many Spaniards find this too complicated and, therefore, refer to the new measure as “a fine machine,” which has nothing to do with safety.
Only estimations
However, disagreement soon arose in Spain over the technology, control, and legal feasibility. Opponents argue that drivers have no way to measure a 70-meter distance accurately. Moreover, the distance can change quickly if other vehicles suddenly merge.
There’s also confusion in traffic jams: if cars are forced to travel very close, how can drivers avoid automatic fines? Signs say “minimum distance,” but in reality, traffic often doesn’t allow it.
Legal critique
A significant legal critique is that no vehicle onboard system currently displays the exact distance in meters, making it hard to comply. Without a precise measure, enforcing such a rule is seen as legally and practically questionable—and could lead to successful appeals against fines.
In the meantime, the Spanish traffic authority, DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), recommends using rules of thumb, such as the 2-second rule. When the car ahead passes a fixed marker, aim to pass it at least two seconds after it has passed. In bad weather or low visibility, extend it to three or four seconds. However, drivers find this rule impractical in practice.
‘Square speed rule’
Another way to estimate a 70-meter distance is the’square speed rule’: Square your speed and drop the last digit. For example, at 120 km/h → 120² = 14400 → drop the last digit → 144 m. It exceeds 70 m, offering a safe margin.
The Belgian Highway Code does not specify a minimum distance between vehicles. Still, it does state that as a driver, you must be able to stop in all circumstances for a foreseeable obstacle.
