Across the whole month, the DGT forecasts 54.5 million long-distance road trips.
Holiday traffic will build on key routes
Summer departures no longer fall on one single day. Flexible working and staggered holidays have spread journeys across several weekends.
However, the first weekend of August still brings heavy traffic. Drivers leaving major cities will join holidaymakers returning home and people making shorter weekend trips.
Traffic will also rise on routes used by Portuguese travellers and North African families heading towards ferry ports.
The DGT expects the greatest pressure on roads leading to tourist destinations. Routes towards Mediterranean coastal areas, including the Costa Blanca, may become particularly busy.
Drivers should check conditions before setting off and consider travelling outside peak periods.
Extra patrols, cameras and traffic controls
The DGT will deploy its full range of traffic monitoring equipment during the operation.
Guardia Civil traffic officers will patrol the roads, while traffic management centres monitor congestion and incidents. Helicopters equipped with the Pegasus system will also operate during the campaign.
Fixed and mobile speed cameras, drones and overhead cameras will check for speeding, mobile phone use and seat belt offences.
Traffic teams may open extra or reversible lanes where congestion becomes severe. They may also suspend roadworks and restrict certain vehicles or events.
The DGT will recommend alternative routes when main roads become overcrowded.
Drivers urged to check their vehicles
The campaign also focuses on vehicle condition.
Drivers should check their tyres, lights, brakes and fluid levels before beginning a long journey. High summer temperatures can place extra strain on batteries and cooling systems.
Motorists must also carry the correct documentation. This includes a valid driving licence, vehicle papers and an up-to-date ITV certificate.
Planning the journey can reduce delays and lower the risk of collisions. The DGT advises drivers to avoid the busiest hours where possible.
Connected V16 warning lights now compulsory
This summer marks the first holiday season when drivers must carry a connected V16 emergency warning light.
Motorists use the device when a breakdown or incident forces them to stop. The flashing light warns nearby traffic, while its connected system sends the vehicle’s position to the DGT 3.0 platform.
Navigation systems, mobile phones and motorway information boards can then warn approaching drivers.
The DGT says this technology has sharply increased the number of road incidents reported each month. Its systems now record more than 69,000 incidents monthly, compared with an average of 8,600 in 2025.
New 018 support line for road victims
Spain has also introduced the 018 support line for people affected by road collisions.
The free and confidential service offers psychological, social, legal and medical guidance. It operates every day from 08:00 to 21:00 and provides help in more than 50 languages.
The 018 line does not replace the emergency services. Anyone facing an immediate emergency should still call 112.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- The DGT expects 5.6 million long-distance journeys during the first weekend of August.
- Spain could record 54.5 million long-distance road trips during the month.
- Holiday departures, returning travellers and weekend traffic will overlap.
- Police will use patrols, drones, helicopters and cameras to monitor the roads.
- Drivers must carry a connected V16 emergency warning light.
- The new 018 service supports people affected by road collisions from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Anyone facing an immediate emergency should call 112.
Let Bridging the Gap help you navigate through more Costa Blanca Red Tape.
