175 km/h on the Ma-13: Speeding as a Criminal Offense — what the case really shows

175 km/h on the Ma‑13: More than just a flash photo

On November 12 a 52-year-old resident was photographed by an unmarked Guardia Civil vehicle driving at 175 km/h on the Ma‑13 towards Alcúdia — the limit on this section is 80 km/h. At first the report sounds like one of those items you read quickly while sipping coffee on the Plaça and then move on. But the case lingers and leaves questions we should not simply wave away in Mallorca. A similar case is the article about Woman detected at 175 km/h on the Alcúdia motorway, which also addresses this issue.

The central question: Why do people drive so fast?

Is it pure recklessness? A moment of distraction? Or is there more behind it: the roadscape, speed limits, enforcement and our local driving culture? On the Ma‑13, between Palma and Alcúdia, you meet commuters in the morning, day‑trippers at midday and delivery drivers in the evening. Tramuntana wind can suddenly buffet a car, the bends are tight, and visibility can change within minutes. In this environment speeding quickly becomes dangerous — not only for those who commit it, but for everyone on the road. For example, a motorcyclist in Marratxí was caught at over 200 km/h, which raises questions about road safety Motorcyclist caught at more than 200 km/h in Marratxí.

What is often missing in the public debate

First: many debates focus on penalties. Yes, for this level of speeding there can even be criminal consequences, up to prison or a multi‑year driving ban. Less often discussed are structural issues: How clear are the signs along the route? How visible are mobile speed checks — and does the use of an unmarked vehicle reduce acceptance of enforcement? Also: what role does risk perception play? A local who knows the route "inside out" may underestimate the danger because they have driven the bends a thousand times. You can read more in our article about hidden speed cameras in the Balearics.

Also little examined is how road safety measures are distributed over time. Mobile checkpoints create punctual deterrence — but they rarely change driving behaviour in the long term. And: data on the frequency and choice of locations for such checks is usually not published transparently enough, so residents can hardly see whether hotspots are really being addressed.

Concrete opportunities and approaches

The discussion about fines and criminal penalties must not be the only focus. Practical, proportionate measures could include:

1. Average speed enforcement. On long stretches like the Ma‑13 it reduces peak speeding and creates predictable consequences.

2. Clearer signage and repeat notices. Especially where limit changes are frequent, additional reminders help — including illuminated signs in the darker months.

3. More prevention instead of just punishment. Driving courses, mandatory traffic seminars for very high offences, cooperation with motorists' clubs and resident associations.

4. Better data sharing. If authorities publish crash and measurement data openly, municipalities can react more specifically: adjusting speed limits, repairing bends or adding guardrails.

5. Psychological approaches. Campaigns that do more than threaten, but communicate locally — for example with voices of bus drivers, farmers or emergency personnel who speak from their own experience.

What this specifically means for the island

On Mallorca the road situation is particularly fragile: tourism, locals, trucks and agricultural vehicles often share the same stretches. In the late afternoon on the Ma‑13 you hear the deep drone of a bus; there is no tram‑like clack to warn you — but the rush of wind against the car windows when the Tramuntana arrives. Those everyday sounds are a reminder that speed is not just numbers, but has real consequences. The discussion about 124 km/h on the Camí de Can Pastilla is another wake‑up call for Palma's holiday roads.

The case of the 52‑year‑old is being processed legally. Regardless of the outcome, the discussion should continue: how can speed and quality of life on the island be better balanced? A final word from us: you don't win friends with an ill‑considered overtaking manoeuvre — but when needed, take a few minutes of sensible caution. Better ten minutes late and unharmed than in the newspaper.