Traffic signs D6 and D6a identify lanes reserved for certain types of vehicles, and not knowing their meaning can cost drivers a fine of between 120 and 600 euros, according to the article. These signs belong to the category of mandatory signs, meaning that drivers are obligated to respect the reserved use of the lane.
Sign D6, called "Lane reserved for public transport vehicles," indicates that the lane may only be used by regular public passenger transport vehicles, taxis, vehicles on rescue or urgent public service missions, and vehicles on police duty. This definition is set out in Article 27 of the Traffic Signalling Regulations, which is part of a regulation approved in 1998, although its description was subsequently updated.
Sign D6a, on the other hand, represents a "Lane reserved for high-occupancy vehicles" (HOV), reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people, including the driver. This means that a car with only the driver cannot travel on a lane marked exclusively with D6a. This sign was introduced in the major revision of the Traffic Signalling Regulations approved by Regulatory Decree No. 6/2019, whose main changes came into force in April 2020, being identified by the IMT as a lane intended to favour the circulation of vehicles with several occupants.
The penalty for disregarding the indication conveyed by D6 or D6a is higher than the general fine provided for disregard of other mandatory signs, which ranges from 60 to 300 euros. The article warns that when encountering one of these signs, the driver must confirm that their vehicle meets the required conditions before entering that lane.
