Tips for Driving In Spain

Overview
In Spain motorists drive on the right side of the road.

Essential safety equipment:
• 2 warning triangles
• Headlight converters
• Spare bulbs
• Spare pair of prescription spectacles
• Spare wheel
• Spare fan belt
• Reflective vest
• Headlamp converters

Recommended safety equipment:
• Fire extinguisher
• Torch
• First aid kit

Minimum driving age
The minimum driving age using is 18.

Seatbelt requirements
Passengers must wear front and rear seatbelts where fitted.

Children passengers
Children under 12 are not allowed in the front unless they are using an appropriate safety restraint or system. Children under three can only travel if there is an approved EU child seat correctly fitted in the rear of the vehicle.

Drink driving limits
Limits are 50mg/100ml. New drivers have an even lower limit of 20mg/100ml limit and it is best not to drive if you have drunk alcohol at all.

Speed limits
• Urban: 50 kph (31 mph)
• Open road: 90-100 kph (56-62 mph)
• Motorway: 120 kph (75 mph)

Lights
Dipped headlights are meant to be used in poor visibility.

Fuel
All grades of unleaded petrol and diesel are available but not LPG or leaded fuel. It is permitted to carry a spare fuel can.

Tolls
Many motorways are toll roads and are normally identified with the word 'peaje'.

Parking
Parking is not allowed where there are yellow markings. A blue and white curb signals that you are allowed to stop briefly, but not leave the vehicle (drop off/collect passengers). Parking spaces with meters are indicated in blue and you can pay with an attendant or meter which may not be immediately next to the space. Spaces may have a maximum usage time.

Fines
On the spot fines are imposed where you must pay with cash or go immediately to a cash machine. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine.

Mobile phones
It is illegal to use a phone whilst driving.

Emergency numbers
Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services.

Other useful information
Do not turn left across an unbroken white line in the centre of the road, instead, continue on and find a suitable turning place.

You are not allowed to sound a horn at night in urban areas.

You will risk being fined for not indicating before overtaking or pulling back to the nearside lane after overtaking.

Radar speed detectors are illegal in Spain whether in use or not so if you have one, remove it from your vehicle or you could be fined.

Cyclists have priority on roundabouts whichever direction they come from.