With its pleasant weather and stunning scenery Spain is a great place to enjoy the joys of long adventurous drives on the open road. Of course, if you have a full EU driving license and are over the age of 18, then you are eligible to drive in Spain and while the rules of the road are very similar to those of most other European countries, there are a few things to keep in mind. So we’ve put together a quick guide to help you avoid any trouble whilst driving in Spain. driving in spain
- The drink driving laws are stricter than those in the UK, with a legal allowance of just 50mg/100ml, compared to 80mg/100ml in the UK. In addition there’s also a harsher rule for new drivers, restricting them to a mere 10mg/100ml. If caught out the punishments are similar to those in the UK, point deductions and fines, which vary between 300-600 euros for minor infringements and over 1,000 euros if higher amounts have been consumed. While more serious cases are subject to suspensions and prison sentences.
- It is mandatory to wear seatbelts, when seated in the front and rear, throughout the country.
Speeding fines apply for exceeding the limit by just 1kph! In many towns, the speed limit is approximately 30kph to 20kph and around 120 to 130kph on motorways. Radar traps are frequently used to catch speeders and on the spot fines will be issued to those caught.
- Fines can be given for not indicating on Spanish autopistas, motorways. To avoid being penalised indicate before overtaking and again before pulling back to the nearside lane after overtaking.
- When approaching a roundabout give way to traffic already on the roundabout, on your left, unless signs advise otherwise.
- When merging onto a motorway from a slip road do not cross the solid white line, wait until you reach the point where the line is broken.
- It is expected that when traffic suddenly slows, you apply your hazard lights to warn those driving behind you.
- The Spanish motorways are toll roads so ensure you have money to hand when driving on a route that includes motorways.
- When parking, be aware that a blue and white curb is similar to the double yellow lines system and indicates that you can wait briefly as long as the driver is still inside the vehicle. Blue spaces indicate a parking charge with ticket machines usually a short walking distance away. As in the UK, there are charges for not paying or overstaying. driving in Spain
- The use of mobile phones is prohibited when behind the wheel, including when you are parked up beside the road. To legally use your mobile you must leave the vehicle or be sat in the passenger seat.
Drive Safely and remember keep right!driving in spain