Driver alert: the new sign with a white diamond on a blue background that could cost you a €200 fine if you don’t know it.
A simple symbol painted on the road or placed on a sign can completely change the way you drive on a road and, above all, the amount of a possible penalty. In recent months, thousands of drivers have been encountering an unfamiliar sign that is already causing fines and confusion: a white diamond on a blue background that is neither decorative nor informative, but a direct obligation set out in traffic regulations.
What the white diamond on a blue background means
The new signage introduced by Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) identifies lanes reserved for high-occupancy vehicles, known as VAO lanes. Its presence indicates that the lane in question is not open to all vehicles, but only to those that meet certain conditions. This symbol may appear both on vertical signs and painted directly on the road surface. Its design breaks with traditional signage, as it is neither circular nor triangular, which has caused some confusion among drivers since its gradual rollout beginning in summer 2025.
Far from being a recommendation, this sign marks a restricted-use space where only certain authorized vehicles may travel, according to current regulations.
Fines of up to €200 for non-compliance
One of the key aspects of this new sign is its direct impact on drivers’ wallets. Driving in an HOV lane without meeting the established requirements can result in a fine of up to €200.
Regulations generally state that these lanes are intended for:
In certain situations, such as periods of high pollution, the conditions may become stricter. In those cases, the minimum number of occupants may be increased to three, as indicated by variable message signs installed on the road.