Spain's Traffic Authority Rolls Out New LIDAR Speed Cameras and Tightens Elder Driver Licensing

The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in Spain has begun deploying 15 three‑dimensional LIDAR radar units, costing over €1 million, that can detect speed violations from about 200 metres away. These mobile systems can be mounted on tripods, patrol cars or motorcycles, monitor up to six lanes in both directions, and are invisible to illegal detectors because they use laser rather than radio waves. In addition to measuring speed, the devices can identify mobile‑phone use and seat‑belt compliance, operating day and night in low‑visibility conditions.

Separately, the DGT announced changes to driving‑license renewal rules for people born between 1956 and 1961. From 2026, car and motorcycle licences will need renewal every five years, while professional licences (e.g., for buses and trucks) will require renewal every three years. Drivers over 70 will no longer pay the renewal fee but must still cover the mandatory medical‑psychological examination. More stringent physical and cognitive tests may lead to personalised restrictions such as night‑driving bans or reduced speed limits.