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Written by Spain Guide
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EU driving licences are required in Spain and please remember they DRIVE ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Your number plate should be an EU one with the ring of stars containing your country code, or a small plate/sticker with your country code (GB etc) should be secured to the rear of the car.
What to Carry!
* Two EU approved red warning triangles.
* Approved reflective jackets that must be worn outside the car at anytime, at the side of any road but not in an urban area. The jackets must be kept inside the car so they
can be put on before getting out and also must be visible from outside the car.
* A set of spare lamps/bulbs for your car and the tool/s to change them.
* If you wear corrective glasses for driving, a spare pair.
* Valid insurance.
* All vehicle documents relating to the car (legally certified copies are OK).
There are on-the-spot fines of 60 Euros per missing item.
Hire companies usually supply the triangles and reflective coats, but do check because they are not obliged to do so - it is your responsibility. | Speed Limits (General) | | | Autopistas/autovias (similar to UK motoways) | 120kph | | Dual carriageways | 100kph | | Country roads | 90kph | | Urban roads | 50kph | | Residential areas as signed or if no pavements | 20kph |
Parking
No parking in spaces painted yellow or (obviously) in areas with "No Parking" signs.
Parking spaces with meters are marked in blue where a ticket can be purchased from an attendant or machine. The machine may be halfway down the street so don't assume that because there is no meter near the car that parking is free. These spaces are usually for a maximum time of two hours.
If you park illegally, you will almost certainly become a victim of the 'grua' - the local tow truck, and if you suffer this, there should be a sticker left on the curb with the phone number/addess of your car's new location. Getting your car back will be a big problem and will cost you plenty in fines and fees. Where possible, look for underground parking with security attendance. It's worth paying that little bit more.
Fines
Police are empowered to collect fines of up to 300.51 Euros on the spot, (so ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine). Traffic fines in Spain are calculated on the severity of the offence. The traffic fines range from 91 Euros to 602 Euros and the offenders may also face suspension of their driving licences for a period of up to 3 months.
The highest fines (over 302 Euros) are usually for:
* Exceeding maximum lawful speeds; at least 30 kph over the speed limits.
* Driving a motor vehicle in Spain under the influence of drugs, or under the influence of alcohol, when exceeding the alcohol limit.
* Refusal to co-operate to take a breathalyser test to analyse the amount of alcohol in the blood.
* Rash driving endangering other people.
* Exceeding the number of persons permitted to ride in a vehicle. These shall not exceed 50% the maximum approved for the specific vehicle.
If offenders commit less serious traffic infractions such as:
* Driving in a negligent manner.
* Speeding.
* Driving without lights.
* Parking in dangerous places
they may face suspension of their driving licence for a period of up to 1 month, and fines that range from 92 Euros to 302 Euros.
If offenders commit a minor traffic offence such as:
* Using your mobile phone while you are driving (unless your vehicle is provided with a hands free system).
* Riding minors under 12 years of age in the front seat of your vehicle (unless it is provided with homologated safety protection).
* Riding minors under 7 years of age on a motorcycle.
* Stopping at a zebra crossing during more than 2 minutes
they may be imposed a fine of up to 91 Euros.
Seat Belts
It is mandatory for Spanish cars to be fitted with seat belts. It is required for all occupants, whether in the front or back seat of a car using the vehicle safety belt. You can be fined for not wearing it.
Driving under the Influence
If you think that you are going to drink and drive with impunity in Spain then in two words - you're wrong!
In Spain the legal limit of alcohol is 0.5 g/l blood and 0.25 mg/l breath out for normal drivers which is much less then the UK. Here in Spain there are many police road checks that take place at any time of the day or night. The Spanish police don't need a reason to stop a motorist.
Driving a motor vehicle in Spain under the influence of drugs or alcohol is penalised either with 8 to 12 weekends of arrest or a similar fine instead and deprivation of the driving licence for a period from 1 to 4 years.
If the driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol is involved in a car accident, they may also be charged with other crimes such as homicide and therefore should pay compensation to the injured party.
Refusal to co-operate to take a breathalyser test can be punishable by a term of imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year and deprivation of the driving licence. |
Life in Spain 
