Stopped today by the Spanish police

[DING-DONG]

We were stopped today by the Spanish police @ first I thought we were had for speeding, took my helmet off and he informed me of a 200£ euro fine for wearing earplugs, I had to explain they are not audio type and perfectly legal and they were ok, all 5 of us were put on the breathalyser and passed, the officers were pleasant enough.

 

[G&T]

We were stopped today by the Spanish police @ first I thought we were had for speeding, took my helmet off and he informed me of a 200£ euro fine for wearing earplugs, I had to explain they are not audio type and perfectly legal and they were ok, all 5 of us were put on the breathalyser and passed, the officers were pleasant enough.

You must have been doing something to be pulled though?

 

[DING-DONG]

You must have been doing something to be pulled though?

Not really they were doing rd side stop checks and the 2 officers were waving in vehicles, never asked for our documents, like I said they were pleasant and once I pointed out my earplugs are not audio he agreed.

They stopped the trafic to let us out and gave a wave, whilst some might take offence to being stopped all you need to be is polite.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

.... took my helmet off and he informed me of a 200£ euro fine for wearing earplugs, I had to explain they are not audio type and perfectly legal

So ear plugs are okay but if they play music they are illegal?

Is it also illegal to have music playing in a car over there?

 

[Udders]

Ok so no music playing ear buds allowed but speakers fitted in your helmet? Those also not allowed?
I very rarely play music but sometimes have my intercom connected to the sat nav for directions.

 

[Fiddlesticks]

As I understand it, ear plugs that play music are not permitted. Normal ear plugs and helmet comms are fine.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

I never play music when riding, the engine and exhaust are the orchestra for me.

But, I don't get why they are illegal for those that choose to listen to music

 

[KMD]

Same happened to us a few years back. Entire group pulled over and breathalysed. None blew positive and we then had a very pleasant chat with them for ten minutes or so before going on our way.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Do deaf Spanish riders get a fine too?

 

[DING-DONG]

So ear plugs are okay but if they play music they are illegal?

Is it also illegal to have music playing in a car over there?

If they play music it’s a fine €200 if you wear just normal none playing ear plugs provided your in helmet speaker music volume does not impede your ability to hear traffic or sirens it’s ok.

 

[DING-DONG]

Do deaf Spanish riders get a fine too?

No there’s certain exceptions and that’s one of them.

 

[FERRET]

Go to Spain or any other country and compy by their rules and Regulations, if you don't like them don't go.
They obviously see it as a road safety issue!
Shame we don't enforce so rigidly in this country.

 

[Berin]

We got pulled over in Spain last year so Spanish plod could have a good look at the bikes- my HP2E and Mrs Berins Basic

 

[G&T]

I sometimes wear my earphones with no music device attached or not playing music.....they fit my ears perfect. I wonder how that would go down. Probably with me on the floor

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

If they play music it’s a fine €200 if you wear just normal none playing ear plugs provided your in helmet speaker music volume does not impede your ability to hear traffic or sirens it’s ok.

No there’s certain exceptions and that’s one of them.

So by their reckoning, listening to music being played through earplugs can be a distraction and possible danger.... I totally get that.

But how can they fine someone for doing so but say it's okay for deaf people to ride and not be fined.

 

[er-minio]

But, I don't get why they are illegal for those that choose to listen to music

I think they go after people riding with Airpods style earbuds in ear (and maybe noise cancelling). You cannot wear those when riding/driving in Spain (helmet comms are ok). They are probably trying to curtail people using noise cancelling, that can be dangerous when driving (or, walking, if you are not used to it).
I was a bit confused at first, but my understanding is that DING-DONG wasn't fined once he pointed out he was wearing normal ear plugs for the noise, those are allowed.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

I think they go after people riding with Airpods style earbuds in ear (and maybe noise cancelling). You cannot wear those when riding/driving in Spain (helmet comms are ok). They are probably trying to curtail people using noise cancelling, that can be dangerous when driving (or, walking, if you are not used to it).
I was a bit confused at first, but my understanding is that DING-DONG wasn't fined once he pointed out he was wearing normal ear plugs for the noise, those are allowed.

But they don't nick deaf riders

 

[er-minio]

Wild assumption:
They probably cope better with the lack of hearing, since it is permanent, and have all the necessary "routines" and habits in place to make up for it.
Someone sticking noise cancelling ear buds in for an hour might not perform the same.

 

[G&T]

So by their reckoning, listening to music being played through earplugs can be a distraction and possible danger.... I totally get that.

I wonder if that is true...but also I’m convinced in-earphones have saved my hearing. The change in music pitch, volume etc v the same pitch drone or wind noise ensures I have less tingling at the end of along ride - absolutely convinced, but no scientific proof.

 

[Santa-2512]

I got stopped by the gendarmery in France

once he's established i wasn't a piss or crack head, he sent me one my way