Driving in Spain – Things You Should Know

• By: Editor
• On: 10/Feb/2010
• In: Spain Travel Tips

· Ensure to have a valid certificate of insurance.

· Please ensure to have your driving licence with you at all times – and your current and up to date travel passport.

· The minimum age for driving on Spain’s roads is 18 for a driver from the UK.

· If you overtake another vehicle on any road – make sure to indicate – as this law is strictly enforced in Spain’s road traffic rules.  On the spot fines are common if you are caught not indicating when overtaking and when you return to the nearest traffic lane.

· Another rule to watch out for is when you access motorways from slip roads.  Do not cross the continuous white line until the line is broken in appearance.

· Never use your mobile when driving. You will subject to an on the spot fine if caught.

· Speed limits are vigorously policed, with radar traps quite common.

· The following are the coding for the types of roads in Spain and their speed limits:
- Motorways (Autopistas) they carry the A or E prefix to the number of the road. The speed limit on these roads is 120 km/h.
- Dual Carriageways (Autovia) have a speed limit that varies from 80-120 km/h.
- National Roads (Carretera Nacional) have an N or C prefix and speed varies from 60- 100 km/h.
- Highways (Carretera Local) - highway. Speed limits cannot exceed 100 km/h.

· The wearing of visibility vests is now required by law in Spain along with other EU nations. It is prudent to ensure that there is a vest available for every occupant of the vehicle.

· Two Warning Triangles are also required by law to be possessed in the boot of your vehicle.

· If you wear glasses whilst driving your vehicle make sure to have a spare pair with you.

· A first aid kit is recommended to have in the vehicle.

· Law requires replacement light bulbs to be in storage for the vehicle.

· If travelling by road in the mountain regions of Spain (for example the Pyrenees) you must carry snow chains and the vehicles must possess winter tyres.

· You are not allowed to use the vehicle's horn at night – especially in urban locations (except for emergency situations such as an accident).

· In urban areas, please ensure not to drive in designated bus lanes.

· A single or double white line in the road’s centre means absolutely no overtaking and if you are caught, you will liable to a heavy on the spot fine.

· If you are driving a motorcycle or scooter, both drivers and passengers have to wear helmets.

Learn more about Travelling on Spain's roadways.

The best way to explore the wonders of Spain is to hire a car. For the very best in vehicle rental, check out our Cheap Car Hire in Spain page.

Have you taken a Spain driving holiday in the past, or are you planning to head there in the near future? If you have experience of road travel in Spain and have any additional driving tips our readers would appreciate any advice.