Is it permissible to park a motorcycle on the pavement?
- A)Yes, if it is securely attached to street furniture.
- B)Yes, as long as it does not obstruct pedestrians.
- C)No, as a general rule.✓ Correct answer
Why this is the correct answer
WHAT DOES "PAVEMENT" MEAN? In British English, "pavement" refers to the paved walkway beside the road reserved exclusively for pedestrians. In American English, this is called a "sidewalk." In Spanish, it is called "acera." The image shows a motorcycle (a Yamaha sportbike), and the question asks whether it is permissible to park it on the pavement (acera). WHY IS THE ANSWER C? As a general rule, Spanish traffic law prohibits parking any vehicle — including motorcycles — on the pavement (acera), because this area is exclusively intended for pedestrian use. Parking there can obstruct pedestrians, especially those with reduced mobility or visual impairments, and may force them onto the road, creating a dangerous situation. WHY NOT A? Attaching a motorcycle to street furniture (benches, sign posts, lamp posts, etc.) with chains or locks is specifically prohibited. Street furniture is public property and must remain accessible to all. WHY NOT B? Although not obstructing pedestrians is an important principle, the general national rule is a blanket prohibition on parking on the pavement. It is not enough to simply "not obstruct pedestrians" — parking there is not allowed as a general rule. IMPORTANT NOTE: Some cities (like Madrid or Barcelona) may allow motorcycle parking on the pavement under very specific local regulations (e.g., minimum pavement width of 3 metres, leaving at least 3 metres free for pedestrians). However, these are local exceptions. For the DGT exam, the correct answer follows the general national rule: parking a motorcycle on the pavement is NOT permitted.
More questions about traffic regulations & road use
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- On the inter-urban road shown in the image, is it permissible to pull over or park on the passable unpaved hard shoulder?
- In what type of environment does vehicle driving occur?
- On a very steep and narrow road where two vehicles cannot pass, which vehicle should give way?