Loaded up to the roof on their way to Morocco, these MRE cars are nevertheless compliant
Every summer, heavily loaded cars cross Spain heading for Morocco. Trunks full, luggage piled on the roof: despite their spectacular appearance, many nevertheless comply with Spanish regulations.
Around 800,000 vehicles are expected to cross Spain this year as part of Operation Crossing the Strait (Marhaba). A large proportion belong to Moroccans who travel to Spanish ports before boarding.
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Questioned by El Debate, a Guardia Civil officer explains that the appearance of a heavily loaded car is not enough to justify a sanction. “They know all the rules,” he observes regarding the drivers inspected.
The officers mainly check three elements: the total height must not exceed four meters, the load must not extend beyond the vehicle’s footprint, and the transported items must be securely fastened.
According to the civil guard, this last point is generally followed particularly well, with many straps and tensioners used to hold the luggage in place.
A fully loaded car can be perfectly compliant
Under these conditions, police officers cannot fine a driver simply because their vehicle appears excessively loaded. A specific breach of the regulations must be established.
However, the distribution of the luggage may become punishable when it risks destabilizing the vehicle. The officer acknowledges that this reason is more difficult to use, because the dangerous nature of the load must be established.
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There is therefore no special tolerance for cars taking the road to Morocco. The Guardia Civil says it penalizes violations when it observes them. But when the dimensions of the load and its fastening comply with the rules, even a fully loaded car may legally continue its journey.
