The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) has launched a new camera system in Madrid that is already fining drivers who invade or step on continuous lines. This is a pioneering technology in Spain, and the capital is, for the moment, the only community where these devices have been installed. The penalties are up to 200 euros, although they do not imply the withdrawal of license points, as established in the General Driving Regulations.
The new system responds to the need to control one of the prohibited but most recurrent maneuvers, such as invading a continuous line when merging onto another road or changing lanes without respecting the mandatory separation. According to the latest data from the DGT, this type of infringement is behind a good part of the side-collision accidents and at least 210 deaths recorded in 2021.
Unlike speed cameras or belt cameras, these continuous line cameras are based on synchronized dual viewers, an artificial vision technology capable of comparing two images taken within seconds of each other. One camera is located at the beginning of the acceleration or turning lane, and the other a few meters ahead. If the system detects that the vehicle has entered before the end of the continuous line, the infraction is automatically recorded and the fine is processed telematically at the DGT’s Automated Complaints Processing Center, with automatic license plate reading included.
The only four cameras that can detect continuous line encroachment
At present, Madrid has the only four cameras in Spain capable of detecting this infraction. They are strategically placed in some of the most conflictive points due to their high traffic density and high accident rate:
- A-1 (Autovía del Norte): kilometer 15.9, in decreasing direction, at the height of Alcobendas.
- A-2 (Autovía del Nordeste): kilometer 11.8, decreasing direction, near Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport.
- A-42 (Toledo Highway): kilometer 16.9, decreasing direction, after passing Getafe.
- A-6 (Autovía del Noroeste): kilometer 20.2, decreasing direction, very close to Las Rozas.
The device uses state-of-the-art components with visual recognition software, which avoids the intervention of road agents. The images are automatically analyzed and, if the infraction is confirmed, the driver receives a notification at home within an average of 15 days.
The increase of these technologies is part of the new Strategic Road Safety Plan 2025-2030, which envisages the installation of 122 new intelligent radars and automatic detection cameras throughout Spain, although the “continuous line” ones are, for the moment, exclusive to Madrid.