Outside built-up areas, how do you warn the driver ahead of your intention to overtake?
- A)By using the left indicator only (which is required everywhere for signalling a lane change, but does not specifically warn of overtaking).
- B)By flashing the high-beam headlights only.
- C)By using both light signals (such as high-beam flashing) and, if necessary, acoustic signals (horn).✓ Correct answer
Why this is the correct answer
Spanish traffic rules distinguish between two separate obligations when overtaking: 1. Signalling the lateral movement (indicator): You must ALWAYS use your left indicator before moving out to overtake, both inside and outside built-up areas. This signals the lane change to all road users. 2. Warning the driver ahead of your intention to overtake: This is a separate action, and it is what the question asks about. Outside built-up areas, you may warn the vehicle ahead by flashing your headlights (alternating high-beam and dipped-beam at short intervals) AND, if necessary, by sounding your horn (acoustic signal). Inside built-up areas, only light signals (flashing) are allowed for this purpose -- the horn is NOT permitted for overtaking warnings in town. Option A is wrong because the left indicator only signals your lateral movement -- it does not serve as a warning to the driver ahead that you want to overtake. Option B is incomplete because it only mentions light signals and ignores the acoustic signal (horn), which is also permitted outside built-up areas. Option C is correct because outside built-up areas you can use BOTH optical signals (headlight flashing) and acoustic signals (horn) to warn of your intention to overtake.